Oshún and Me is coming!

We're a week away from pub day, January 14, 2025. Time has flown! In case I haven't explained it before, here's the official summary of Oshún and Me from the good folks at Macmillan Kids:

Tenderly illustrated by Alleanna Harris, Adiba Nelson's debut picture book Oshún and Me is a heartwarming ode to family, identity, and the beauty of braided hair. Also available in Spanish!

It’s Sunday, and that means it’s Hair Day! As Mami weaves gold and cowrie shells into Yadira’s hair, she tells her the story of the goddess Oshún, showing Yadi how her Afro Latin heritage is lovingly tucked into each braid and shell.

The next day, Yadi arrives for her first day at a new school. She's nervous about making friends, but with her beautiful braids, the click-clack of the cowrie shells, and a little guidance from Oshún, she finds she has everything she needs to be her best, most authentic self.

A letter from the author and visual examples of different kinds of braided hairstyles are included in the back of the book.

When I first heard about this project from my agent, Alex, I was beyond excited. I've never illustrated a story based in any African Traditional Religion (ATR), and I had recently took an online class about ATRs, so I knew I had to say yes! I felt honored and grateful that Adiba trusted me with Yadira's story.

I talked a little about Oshún and Me in my 2024 Round up post, but one of the coolest things that has happened is that the book received a starred Kirkus review. Check out that byline! You can read the entire glowing review here.

If you haven't pre-ordered the book, you can pre-order now. The countdown begins! Can't wait for you to meet Yadira, Mamí, and Oshún!

Excitedly,

Alleanna