Rafael Nadal stars in new, illustrated children's book

For nearly 20 years, Rafael Nadal has been an inspiration to kids all over the world as a result of his achievements on the tennis court.

Now, he'll be one from the pages of a book.

The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion is the subject of the latest installment in the "Pequeño y Grande" series, a series of illustrated Spanish-language children's books that showcase famous faces as children and detail how they fulfilled their big dreams.

The book, reccomended for ages 5 and up, chronicles Nadal's journey from childhood to Grand Slam champion, teaching youngsters the values of self-confidence, determination and perserverance. The story follows a young Nadal, shows his passion for both soccer and tennis, discusses how he learned to play while coached by his uncle Toni Nadal, and ends with his first Roland Garros victory.

But the book doesn't only show kids Nadal's journey as an athlete: It also shows him facing his fears (though he's fearless on court, “like a wild animal full of courage and bravery to win,” it says, he sleeps with the light on because he's afraid of the dark), and his charitable and giving nature. It's noted in the book how he helped residents of Sant Llorenc on Mallorca clean up after a severe flash flood in 2018.

"The stories are written in rhyme and accompanied by beautiful illustrations," writes Alba Editorial, which produces the series. "Designed for girls and boys ages 5 or 6 and up, each book is illustrated by a different artist. Stories always begin with a [child] who has a dream. The objective is to show ... inspiring figures with whom they can identify."

Nadal's book is written by María Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Ro Ledesma. Other celebrities who have their own installments in the acclaimed series, of which there are more than 50 volumes, include Muhammad Ali, David Bowie, Charles Dickens, Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Frida Kahlo, Pele and Pablo Picasso.

The book is currently available in Catalan and Spanish.