Josey loves her hair. She loves all of the different styles that it can make and loves the process of getting it done. But she knows that it's different to that of other girls at school. During a day spent with her father getting ready for Pentecost, she learns to celebrate her differences and be proud of them.

As can be inferred from the title, this book has key themes of Christianity. The themes of respect, inclusion and consideration that it explores are true for all but this looks at them through the Christian lens.

This is a well-plotted story that simply lays out the meaning and approach to Pentecost and its impact on a young girl. The importance of Josey's hair isn't a main focus of the book, instead, it's an avenue into discussing the religious significance of the day. The text is clear and well-suited to the target age range. Occasionally, there are peculiarities in the art style, such as in faces when viewed from certain angles, but this is infrequent.

The topic and writing style make this ideal for reading to four to eight-year-olds. From the vocabulary used and how much of it is phonetically decodable, a child would be about seven years old to read this independently or with minimal support.

This is the perfect book for a young Christian child, maybe one who feels different because of how they look or compare to others. It was very positive, and the surrounding characters to the child gave her reassurance that God made everyone in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

I wasn't able to view all of the illustrations, but the ones I did see were dynamic and well-done.
I also enjoyed the author's note at the end.

This reminded me of Hans Wilhelm's "Waldo, Tell Me About..." series, which I remember fondly from my childhood - but brighter and a bit more fun! The illustrations, in particular, are bouncy and cheerful (particularly the hair - the hair is beautiful! The faces are a little odd looking, though), and I love how the diversity message was tied in with Pentecost. That was a great way to make this specifically Christian and not just a rehash of "Hair! Diversity! Yay!"
I did find it a little odd that a girl in hijab was used as an example of diversity seemingly within Christianity. Not that religious diversity isn't important to recognise and allow for, but this book was specifically focused on diversity within the Christian Church and in how God made people. That space could have more relevantly been used to include Middle Eastern Christians (there don't appear to be any), people with disabilities (the closest is an old woman with a cane), or people in non-religious cultural attire, like a sari or even just a different style of headscarf.

A colorful presentation of a girl's day preparing for the special day of Pentecost and a father's gentle explanation of being uniquely and fearfully made by God.

I love books that meet a need and where circumstances demand the story is told.

This is a book by a Father to his children to help explain how we are all different but precious in God’s sight. As a Christian he also links the biblical truth and spiritual meaning of Pentecost.

This isn’t only a book for girls with fly away hair. Indeed in my experience children find these lessons already inherent in their play and attitudes. Hopefully if this book is widely received and read then the grown ups reading these words will be challenged to be more inclusive, less judgement and see God’s own image in all his creation.

Interesting read + fun cover = highly recommend! Not just for kids, but also for adults - sometimes the most profound stories are in children's books.

This book was brilliant! The illustrations were great but it was the narrative that resonated with me. This book will be a great gift for a child who asks questions about what makes people different from each other. Although the book specifically references hair, it could also serve as a point of departure for deep discussions about race, shade, hair texture, religion, and cultural practices.

The discussion of the Pentecost added another dimension to the story, making this book a good choice for Christian families that attend a contemporary church.

The illustrations were quite creative and detailed. Many children will enjoy looking at them.

I was quite impressed with this book.

A great Christian children’s book that touches on the importance of Pentecost and that we are all made in God’s image and are fearfully and wonderfully made. It includes Black culture and is geared more for Black girls, per the author’s note - however, this would be a great read for all children. The flow of the story was a bit odd, maybe just the beginning threw me off. The illustration is beautiful and I love the way the words are woven into the pictures. This is an awesome way to introduce discussions with your little ones who may be asking “why are we different” and even to talk about Pentecost. I received this copy of Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit from InterVarsity Press through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

I’ve been familiar with Dr. Esau McCaulley for a while now, both because of his academic work and his frequent guest appearances on a few podcasts I listen to. I had heard him talk about this book so when I saw an ARC available, I jumped at the chance to read it.

There’s an awful lot to love in this book. It beautifully weaves deep truths into the ordinariness of the daily life of a child. Through simple acts like hair appointments or shopping for new Sunday dresses, McCaulley teaches children to celebrate diversity both as a thing to be cherished in itself and as an act of worship to a creative and loving God.

I struggle with books like this. The lessons it teaches are good, very good. The problem is the story becomes a prop for the lessons. "Josey Johnson..." is a great example of this. McCaulley's theme of God's beauty in each child, especially those who are "different" is very good and very needed. But, the story itself is average, not one that cries for multiple rereadings. Jackson's pictures do bring a lot of joyous life to the story. Recommended for children, ages 6 and under.

"Josey, your Black hair , Black lips and Black skin are God's work of art."

A children's story celebrating the beauty of Black hair and how we are different. It was nice to see faith encouraged too.

This has some truly adorable works of art too for it's illustrations.

This book just melted my heart. What a gorgeous book. My son is so enamoured with this book he has so far made me read it with him at least 5 times. While I am personally not religious, and neither is my family, I still enjoyed reading this with my son and having conversations about peoples different spiritual beliefs and how they help them move through day to day. The illustrations are stunning, very vibrant and full of life & it is so well written. I would definitely recommend this to any family, school and library.

I am a Christian and I am from Africa.
Sometimes I wonder why my hair isn't straight and I can relate to Josey.
This book is a great fit for children who would love to know about the Pentecost and how to love being different.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC!

This was the cutest book! I love how there are two lessons presented at one time. Josey learned that everyone is different and God intended it to be that way, which is how she learned to love her hair! I also love how Josey learned about Pentecost. I grew up in church and I didn’t even know about the origin of the Day. Love it!!

I really enjoyed this book. Though i was raised christian we never wore red or such on pentecost so it’s cool to see someone else's perspective. Also i love the representation for black hair to young black girls. I would definitely love to see more from this author!

Gorgeous, vivacious illustrations bring to life this lovely story of a Black girl in need of reassurance that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, even though she feels different. I love the tie-in to Pentecost; it makes for a clear and child-friendly, yet theologically rich reminder that Christ's saving grace was, and is, proclaimed to all nations, tongues, ages, and hairstyles.

This should be in the library of every Christian school. It will certainly be in our home library.

The art was joyful, colourful, eyecatching and just all round brilliant!
A fantastic message for all children and adults alike. It's a great way to teach and remind children that we are all different and special. It is good to be unique. As a teacher in a church school it would be perfect for its teaching of Pentecost at the same time as teaching that God made everyone different and made everyone as a unique piece of art! Really enjoyed this book. Would highly recommend.

What a beautiful book! It combines biblical creation and Pentecost to show that we're all different and beautiful by God's design. The illustrations are as vibrant and beautiful as the story. Highly recommended!

Josey is a charming girl who's preparing for a big celebration! I’ve never seen a story about Pentecost before, so I enjoyed finding an explanation of this important day on the Christian calendar. The art is rich. You can't miss the deep love expressed for the diversity of all Creation. I’ll recommend this book to all my Christian education friends.

A young black girl goes with her father to have her hair braided and buy a new dress ready for the Pentecost celebrations. Knowing that she looks different from her friends at school and many of the girls she sees on TV, she asks her dad why she looks the way she does. Dad explains that everyone looks different and is unique in their own way.

Although the book touches on Pentecost, it is mainly a celebration of diversity. There have been a few books published recently which celebrate Afro hair and this is another one to add to that collection, written from a Christian perspective. The illustrations are superb and I loved the way the text was arranged on the page to mimic the shapes of her hair.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.