Saturday Morning at the 'Shop

In his bustling picture book debut, Jones pays nuanced homage to barbershops through the eyes of one child "geeked to go spend/ the day at the 'Shop." On a Saturday morning, the title's young narrator, a Black child wearing a ball cap, is dropped off as Mom heads to work. The protagonist, who always arrives first after the barbers, soaks up the lively atmosphere. Across the day, reiterative phrases describe how "the 'Shop is our" sound booth, gallery, sports show, comedy club, playground, classroom, and more: "The 'Shop is our mini-mart// Two dollars will get you right;/ five dollars will have you full." And through it all, the barbershop is "our studio.// Hair is the canvas/ clippers are the brush, / creating walking pieces of art." Sun-stroked digital illustrations by Daley (Granny's Kitchen) vividly capture the ambiance as "Dads and grandpas, / neighbors and friends," portrayed with brown skin, gather together, in one scene sitting in front of luminaries including Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and more. It's an affectionate portrayal of both an intergenerational tradition and a crucial community cornerstone. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Savannah Brooks, KT Literary. Illustrator's agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency. (Jan.)

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A read-aloud as sharp and stylish as a fresh cut.