I love to find a children’s book that aligns with a life event and “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” by Derrick Barnes is just that! My son loves his hair. Loves his curls. Loves it. It’s my fault and now I am paying the price for keeping his curls looking fresh. But now, I am ready for a haircut. I do not want to cut it all off but a more manageable look is needed for my sanity lol.

But how do I convince this strong willed kid, he is getting a haircut…. I don’t have to, lucky for me there is a dope children’s book for that!

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes is the book every little boy needs.

This book describes a young boy getting a haircut at the neighborhood barber shop. It is a very descriptive account of what will happen at the barbershop. It will definitely take away any reservations or fears a little boy may have about his first barbershop visit. It is a great guide of what a barbershop trip is like from start to finish.

It is also a vivid account of how a fresh, clean, and new haircut makes this young boy feel.

This is a very empowering message for boys, especially young black boys that are rarely represented in children’s book. We rarely get a glimpse of the emotional status of young boys and this book illuminates this perspective!

I loved the notion of a young black boy taking pride in his appearance and knowing he is handsome. This book builds confidence and character for any young person. It exudes swag and dignity which is paramount for positive self-esteem for any child.

On the surface this book can be interpreted as promoting a message of self care for young boys. However, if you dissect the book as a whole is has a much more profound meaning.

“Crown” Just this word is so uplifting and exhilarating. To refer to this boys hair, this black boys hair as a Crown is similar to the James Brown song “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” It shouts be proud of your crown. Love your crown. Represent the unique and beauty of your hair. What else represents power, pride, and strength other than a crown… 👑

Derrick Barnes uses non traditional characters in this book to represent CEO and high powered individuals with non traditional hair cut to show how you wear your crown will never diminish what you can accomplish. PROFOUND!

Also, Derrick Barnes unapologetically uses slang and colloquialisms that heightens a pride in Black culture.

This book is a beyond just a children’s book, the prose and the illustrations make it more of a keepsake to cherish.

The words are dope and the illustrations are SUPER dope. Gordon James’ illustrations are more like art than illustrations. I could see myself buying another copying and taking out the last pages, framing them, and hanging them on the wall. His art illustrations are absolutely breathtaking.

It is no wonder that this book it is the winner of numerous awards.

Winner of the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers
A Newbery Honor Book
A Caldecott Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
An Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award Book
An Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book
A Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Book

Make sure to pick up a copy of this book at your local bookstore. If they do not have it, request it. Also, request a copy at your local library. As always, there is always a copy available for purchase on Amazon.

To learn more about Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James click the links!