Prince and His Mother's Crown: Tales Within My Mother's Hair

Author Shellice Beharie pays tribute to the memory of her loving son in her debut picture book, PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER'S CROWN: Tales Within my Mother's Hair. This read-aloud narrative communicates that in their early stages of childhood boys can find comfort and creativity in their mother's tresses. PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER'S CROWN published by Outskirt Press in April 2020 is a richly colored book for early readers, grade level K-3. Full of positive imagery the book is illustrated by Richa Kinra. Each page showcases a graceful, loving Queen mother engaging in the activities of her son's wild imagination, showing their precious familial relationship. Pictures of a young Prince climbing his mother's Rapunzel style braid honors her strength, while an image of him slaying a dragon in her curly afro shows where his sense of security lies. The author honors the black family as King, Queen, and Prince are pictured in royal garb and always with a smile. The author who is a mother of two sons knows first-hand that hair can be a point of love, pride, and affection for boys. The mother-son bond is crucial in shaping how they will relate to others and treat people, especially black women who take pride in wearing their natural hair.

Shellice Beharie, a new up, and coming children's author was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She is well-traveled and has lived overseas. She is now settled with her family and charming Seeing Eye Dog in Southern California. Her career started in the fashion, music, and entertainment industry where she owned her fashion label and showroom. Her focus changed as events in her life changed. She lost her vision and became blind in 2016, and thus, forged a new path for herself. As a mother of two boys, her talents turned to storytelling. She wanted her boys to know how important they are, especially in today's social climate. In this uplifting and sweet children's story, a graceful, loving mother finds her strength and "Queen" status from the love that she and her son, Prince, share through his fascination with her hair. As the "Queen" of her household, and mother to Prince, the story tells of the bond of their relationship. This is the first of a series of children's books that Shellice is presenting to the world. "Prince and His Mother's Crown: Tales Within My Mother's Hair" is available now, and can be purchased through her website, BookBaby Publishing, and Barnes & Noble. This book is dedicated to the memory of her son Nicholas, whom the Lord took home in 2019. Shellice chose to honor his memory with this very special story, "Prince and His Mother's Crown, Tales Within my Mother's Hair."