While we don't typically read a lot of religious themed books, this one drew me in with the title and gorgeous cover. This is another one I'd love to share with my son as his school is not very diverse so we like to make it a point to read books with diverse characters. He really enjoys Hair Love so I think this one will be a hit as well!

I had to read this book just because of the title. I love the illustrations of the book. I love how the test is different and not linear. I really think many kids will enjoy it.

What a marvelous read!! This book is something I would recommend to any and all people of all ages. A beautiful story that weaves together God, self love and family all into one beautiful story that was such a joy to read! I loved every picture, they enhanced the magic inside of the story and it was beyond amazing just watching it all unfold. I read this book with my 8 year old brother who thoroughly enjoyed it too and had many sweet words to say about all of the vivid colors and shapes in the illustrations! The story itself is such a simply one but as people it's so easy to forget these fundamentals especially in a society that can tell so many of us that being different is wrong. This book reminds us all that is not the case and invites us to love all of our differences more as well as the differences we see in those around us. I really loved the questions they give us in the Author Note as another invitation, this time to examine where we or those around us stand on these subjects. Truly such a fun and warm read that starts important conversations in both parents and children!

This is the perfect book for any little girl who loves her hair and wants to know more about Pentecostal.

The art style is unique and perfect for this story.

I do feel like some story/pages didn’t flow as well together as they should especially how they jump back and forth form Pentecost, hair, and the minor side stories.
I feel the story could skip the side stuff and elaborate on the 2 main topics her hair and the special day.

That being said this is aimed for children and I doubt these points I made will lessen their enjoyment of the story.

Beautiful colours, pictures and words. Such a lovely series of tales based around worship, gospel music and explaining some for biblical themes. The books looks at human creation, Pentecost, and how we are all different. A lovely way of telling the story with prayerful words and topics to think through with little ones.

I thought that this book was really good. I loved the way that it used this special religious event as a springboard almost to discuss diversity - it was done with subtlety and I thought that it was wonderful.

The book explains what Pentecost is and the importance of embracing religion for some but also showing that god doesn't case what colour, creed, nationality or appearance anyone has. The illustrations in the book are gorgeous too and they really do grab your attention.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

This was a wonderful story of self acceptance. The characters were believable and I love the fact this book had a Christian theme. I wish there were stories like this when I raised my daughters. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author.

The illustrations were beautiful.

As a Christian, African - American, woman this book was real. I remember all to well going to get my hair done nice and fresh for important Sundays the day before. And picking out a nice dress to complete the look. In fact, I still do it.

I also like how this book uses scripture to explain a common theme readers find in children's books aimed at African American children. In many books aimed at children of color a common theme I often see is what makes them different is not strange, wrong, or needs to be changed. But they are made how they are meant to be. They should embrace what makes them different, love themselves, and love others. This book does the same thing using Bible verses. Which is nice.

The illustrations are beautiful and the metaphors in the writing are wonderful. The author really took their time to think about how to get an important message across.

The art was inventive and joyful and stylish and just wonderful! The message that we are all special in our differences from god and that we have have an equal place was great to hear as well. Really enjoyed this.

Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit is about a little girl who goes to the hair salon to have her hair done and wonders why her hair is so different from her friends' hair. Her dad explains that all hair is beautiful and that there are as many types of hair as there are fish and flowers. Next, they go shop for a dress for Pentecost and her father explains the meaning of Pentecost and the significance of the color red.

I love that Josey's father is the one to take her to get her hair done and buy a dress. The story has a sweet message about loving yourself the way you are and is contextualized in Christianity.

I was really impressed with and intrigued by the way that McCaulley wove multiple Bible stories and themes into a day-in-the-life narrative. The author overlaps moments from Josie’s life with Scriptural teachings from her dad.

For example, an appointment at the salon becomes a springboard to discuss God’s creative work in making people and animals unique. Likewise, a shopping excursion opens up a conversation about the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. Moreover, the Pentecost story reinforces the idea of diversity— which is a point I’ve never really considered!

In the author’s note, McCaulley talks about how he wrote the book for his own daughters, and I can really see this shining through in the storyline. Along this line, I really appreciate the familial interaction we see in the story, through the relationship between Josie and her dad. It is so refreshing to see a strong dad who is determined to teach her daughter that she is valuable because God made her.

This is an #OwnVoices story, and it is so fitting for young readers. Like the author mentions in his note, this book is excellent for young black girls, with specific lines about how beautiful Josey is because of her “black hair, black lips and black skin.” Moreover, children of any culture can appreciate and learn from the story’s message. As the world promotes a sinful definition of diversity and acceptance, it is so refreshing to see a book that is biblical. And, quite frankly, it’s refreshing to see a Christian book touching these subjects and from this perspective because the church has a lot of room for growth, in this area (With that said, I have seen some excellent titles from this specific publisher, InterVarsity Press).

Illustrations

LaTonya Jackson has a distinctive, imaginative artistic style that really brings the book to life. I liked the illustrations of Josey’s versatile hair and the pairing of the hair with fish, based on an analogy that Josey’s dad makes.

Jackson does such a great job of conveying emotion, on the page. She beautifully portrays the relationships between Josey and the other characters (i.e., dad, Monique, siblings) and demonstrates attention to detail in her portrayal of facial expressions. Josey has such a beautiful smile!

I also like that some pages of illustrations have a “vignette” feel to them. I’m not sure if that’s the best word to describe them, but what I mean is that a single page might show multiple snapshots from the text, or we might see a scene that doesn’t have a traditional background, but is instead bordered by a trail of flowers or a marine setting. I definitely feel like I’m getting to be “in Josey’s head.”

Recommendation Status

This is a book that is so easy to recommend! In addition to exploring themes of diversity and promoting positive self-image, the book also introduces the historical and biblical events of Pentecost. I could see this book being used in Sunday School to introduce Pentecost, just as easily as it could be read at home to highlight the beauty of being different. It’s a great story for young black girls, but the message is for everyone!

Thankyou for allowing me or read an advanced copy of this children's books, about faith, exceptance and belief.

A fantastic religious/faith based children's book, about a girl called Josey. She has an important day at church to celebrate Pentecost.

Josey goes to have her hair braided & getting a new dress. Just like in real life, our hair plays an important part in so many people lives and expresses who we are and is apart of our identity. Josey wants her hair to be like everyone else's straight and "normal" until, her Dad explains that everyone is beautiful. He tells her that she should be proud of who she is and of her Black hair, skin and background, as that makes her who she is and it makes her unique.

Josey's story will help so many children see the beauty in themselves. Everyone is beautiful and everyone matters and we are all different and that's what makes us all special.

A fantastic faith based, children's story.
Josey has an important day at church, so is having her hair braided & getting a new dress.
As in real life, our hair plays an important part in our identity,especially when we don't see ourselves represented in movies, TV & books.
My children, born to parents both of whom are mixed heritage, rarely see themselves resembled in media. Josey's story helps them see the beauty in all. I wish it was around in the 80s when I was a kid!