Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit - by Esau McCaulley (Hardcover)

About the Book

When Josey wonders why people are so different, Dad helps her understand that our differences aren't a mistake. In fact, we have many differences because God is creative! Children and the adults who read with them are invited to join Josey as she learns of God's wonderfully diverse design. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.

Book Synopsis

Black Authors Matter Children's Book Award

"Dad smiled, 'We're all different because God is creative. Each one of us is God's unique work of art.'"

A celebration of God's creativity and diverse design, Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit takes young readers on a joyful, faith-filled adventure.

Josey is spending the day with her dad, getting her hair braided at Monique's Beauty Shop and picking out a beautiful red dress for Sunday. Why? Because it's Pentecost--a day to celebrate! Along the way, she begins to wonder why people are so different from one another. Her dad explains that our differences are not a mistake; instead, they are part of God's wonderfully creative plan for the world.

With its vibrant illustrations and heartwarming story, this book beautifully showcases the diversity of God's creation, inviting children and adults alike to celebrate the beauty all around them. Included is a special note to parents and caregivers, offering practical tips for discussing the themes of the book with children, making it a meaningful read for the entire family.

Perfect for bedtime reading, Sunday school lessons, or family story time, Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit captures the warmth of family and the joy of diversity. Order your copy now to celebrate diversity, spark meaningful conversations, and create cherished memories together!

Review Quotes

"Esau paints a beautiful picture of how we can weave biblical teaching into the ordinary stuff of life, like a visit to the salon for your daughter's extraordinarily gorgeous hair. Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit will help you share about the image of God, the gospel for all nations, and the Holy Spirit, all while helping your child gain the invaluable knowledge that she is fearfully and wonderfully made."

"The exuberant story, with illustrations to match, manages to explain Pentecost, affirm Josey's Blackness as 'God's work of art' and celebrate human difference as evidence of God's plan for creation at the same time. That's a lot for a picture book, but it works!"

"There are so many delights in this children's story. Theologian Esau McCaulley weaves into the narrative rich theology of humans as God's image bearers and the wonder of Pentecost in the proclamation of Christ for the nations. Then there is the sheer delight of a father taking his daughter to get her hair styled, . . . and going dress shopping with his daughter. LaTonya Jackson's vibrant illustrations are a feast for the eyes. And the concluding Pentecost celebrations struck me as the way Pentecost ought to be celebrated! Most of all, this is a story for every child who feels 'different, ' affirming the 'unique work of art' each one is."

"This children's book by Esau McCaulley explores how God has uniquely designed each of us in the way we are made, inspired by Psalm 139: 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made.' "

About the Author

Esau McCaulley (PhD, St. Andrews) is assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, the author of Reading While Black, and a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. When he's not writing or teaching, he spends his time cheering for his kids in their sporting and artistic endeavors, and on many a Saturday afternoon you can find him at a beauty parlor with his daughter.

LaTonya Jackson is an artist and illustrator living in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she teaches art to elementary and middle school students. A classically trained artist, LaTonya transitioned to children's illustrations after becoming a mom and experiencing the joy of seeing things through her son's eyes.