A young boy's trip to the barber shop is a joyful celebration of confidence and self-esteem.
The barber shop is where magic happens! Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty, aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good. Their grades improve, they get noticed, they feel good about themselves. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair. It's a tradition that places a figurative crown on their heads that perfectly confirms their brilliance and worth.

"Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon James is a joy to read. Barnes’ words bounce off the page and ooze cool, and he perfectly captures the magic of a fresh haircut, and the self-esteem it confers. Alongside James’ powerful illustrations, this is a joyous book, perfect for sharing." - The Scotsman

"this stunning celebration of childhood, adulthood, culture, community and looking fresh will bring a spring to your step. A beautiful window into the thoughts of a young boy and the magic of a simple trip to the barbers shop." - WRD

"Featured in Pen & Inc Autumn/Winter 2022 listings, highlighting the best in diversity and inclusion in children's books." - Pen & Inc