NBA legend Kobe Bryant is teaming up with award-winning Canadian writer Wesley King for a new children's book series about basketball and magic.

The Wizenard Series kicks off with Training Camp, a collection of five novellas each told from the point of view of a different young basketball player. The West Bottom Badgers are at the bottom of their league and live in the poorest neighbourhood in Dren. When their new coach Professor Wizenard shows up, the players start seeing visions that change their perspective on the game and their lives.

On Twitter, King said he was "excited to share these unique, inspiring stories with the world, which will be adapted to shows, theater productions, and more."

He added, "As you might expect, Kobe wouldn't start with something safe or easy either. These books challenge every kidslit convention I know of. They work for readers of ANY age."

King is the author of the middle grade novel OCDaniel, which won the Edgar Allan Poe Award in the best juvenile category. His other books include A World Below and The Vindico.

The Wizenard Series: Training Camp is due to be released on March 19, 2019.