Parents along with their children, many of whom wore Metta World Peace jerseys, lined up to meet the NBA star at his book signing at Barnes & Noble in New York City. World Peace wrote his first children's book, "Metta's Bedtime Stories" in an attempt to improve the lives of youth.

"It's a way that we can let children know that we are thinking about them," the 33-year-old, who recently signed with the New York Knicks, told EnStars during the Wednesday event.

His book is also aimed towards parents. The father of four said he hopes parents will strengthen the bond with their children by reading the book to them. The basketball player recalled the toddler years of his firstborn and said that as a young father he didn't embrace the opportunity to spend that quality time with his son.

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"We want to encourage parents to improve and that was the whole purpose of this book," he said. "We hope that this book will bring another child closer to his or her dad or his or her mom."

The book features five stories: "I'm Afraid of the Dark," "Mud in My Bed," "One Wish," "Reach for the Sky" and "Tomorrow," which all aim to teach children to embrace a positive attitude and to not become discouraged by difficult moments.

World Peace exuded a similar mindset when he legally changed his name in 2011. Formerly known as Ron Artest, the New York native aimed to send out a positive message with his decision. Metta, for example, is a Buddhist term that stands for kindness and friendliness.

"Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world," he said in a personal statement at the time.

"Metta's Bedtime Stories" sells for $12.95 and can be purchased at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon.

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