This beautifully illustrated, rhyming book is for kids over the age of 6 about a revealing conversation between a young Black child who is questioning (the 'Q' in LGBTQ), and his Mother when she finds him posing while playing dress-up, trying on her fancy hats. The story captures a parent's loving guidance and the joy of a child finding emotional safety in being accepted in a home where he knows he belongs.
It's a story for the whole family. If you are looking for a way to talk with a child about feelings that should not make them feel scared, this story has tolerance and encouragement with a positive message on supporting a child to be their authentic self.
It is a gentle story showing a child's journey of discovery with a positive message of how empathy and understanding encourages confidence to embrace perceived differences. It starts off by setting the scene with an inviting closet full of fancy hats and ends in the most heartwarming way.
My Mama has a closet
where she keeps all her crowns
In boxes and on faceless heads
on shelves, not on the ground
Crowns are what she calls her hats
she wears on special days
The church ones are the fanciest
designed in different ways
Don't be surprised if this becomes a favorite book that is read again and again.
POSITIVE MESSAGE
CHURCH HAT is a child's story about finding their truth with the safety of parental guidance, family security and the power of love. For a young child, there are few things more intriguing than imagining themselves dressed as the adults around them. Using simple, well paced rhyming narrative and colorful illustrations, CHURCH HAT explores affirmation through expression of personal style, with adorable honesty. This is a relatable story of self image, acceptance, guidance, and love. Sure to hold a place in the heart of children, and parents everywhere.THE AUTHOR
The author grew up in a loving household with two siblings, in close proximity to Aunts, Uncles and Cousins on her Father's and Mother's side. Outside of her parents, her biggest influence was her maternal Grandmother, Ivy. "Mama'" as she was called, who offered welcoming arms that protected anyone who needed safety, and a kitchen that nourished all who entered it. Spending summers and holidays with Mama taught her about the importance of listening and how essential empathy is for lasting connections. As the thought leader of the family, Mama always made her home a place for everyone to express themselves, and gave structure to conversations about growing up and living in a complicated world.

The author's Mother, Yvonne, displayed the same traits, continuing to make the two safest words in the world, 'home' and 'family'. Both had impressive taste in clothes, and completed their personal style with eye-catching hats.

This story is a gift to you and a loving tribute to both of them.

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