Crowned with Glory

by Dorena Williamson, Shellene Rodney (Illustrator)

An ode to Black hair and Black girl joy, this joy-filled rhyming picture book invites young readers into the world of a young Black girl as she rocks her God-given beauty.

Hello, world! I’m a gift from above.
I already know that I am loved.

Gazing around with a great big grin—
there’s a whole wide world for me to take in.

From the hair on her head to the tips of her toes, Azira knows that she is awesome! And whether it’s styled in twists, curls, braids, Bantu knots, a textured bun, or left totally natural, her hair is just one of the countless things that helps Azira celebrate who God made her to be. She’s able to live out a beautiful story because God has crowned her with glory—and Azira wants you to do the same!

Young readers will be inspired by this empowering, uplifting reminder to always be and love who God created them to be.

Genres: Picture Books, Christian, Childrens, Cultural, African American, Fiction, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 25, 2022

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely feel like you can never have too many picture books with positive Black hair representation. Crowned with Glory beautifully captures Black girl joy and appreciation of Black hair through the main character Azira. Readers get the opportunity to see her grow into loving her hair. The accurate and beautiful representations of Black hairstyles is something that all readers will appreciate. While I loved the artwork and the core of the story, I had a few issues with the rhyming scheme. Some of the sentences felt just a little forced, but for the most part I understood where the author was attempting to go with the story. This is one that should be on everyone's shelves regardless of whether they are Black or have Black children. Positive Black hair representation and Black girl joy is something that we can all appreciate.

[Bunmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm perhaps a bit biased since I am the editor for this book, but it is just full of so much Black Girl Joy! The cover alone makes me smile so big, but every page is a celebration of what it means to be a Black girl ❤

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think back to the many children's books we read our sons over 20 years ago, there were so few that included children of color, let alone told the story from their perspective. I'm so grateful to Dorena Williamson, Waterbrook (the pub), and the illustrator for taking us on this journey. While I imagine it will be an affirming book for Black girls, I also think it's important for white families to read this to their kids so that there can be greater understanding and appreciation of a culture that may not be familiar.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book, and it isn't just because of its appearance. It's also filled with beautiful words of affirmation, and young children will be captivated by the rhyming words and the bright, colorful illustrations. They will love Azira's story and reading it with their parents provides a wonderful opportunity for discussing God's Plan for their own lives. It is perfect for those little girls who may feel different, but it's a book that shouldn't be limited to girls. Little boys also have doubts and insecurities, and this book could be an assurance for them also. All of us, young or old, need to know that our differences don't matter because God made us, and He loves us just as we are. We need to love ourselves and know that we are capable of accomplishing great things!

Author Doreen Williamson has written an enlightening book that is meant to encourage and inspire. Crowned with Glory will be a wonderful addition to both personal and school libraries.

I received an ARC of this book from WaterBrook Kids. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crowned with Glory by Dorena Williamsonson is an adorable book aimed at young black girls. I love how this book is affirming in both the pictures and the storyline for little girls of color today. This book is aimed at children ages 4 to 8 years old is 40 pages long and about 8 1/2 inches square--it is a nice size for young children to hold and it is a good size to read to them. The words in this book are affirming and are aimed at today's children. There are a couple of slang words that are in use today that make it relevant to our times.

As the cover shows the young girl with her beautiful, black hair, this book talks about how that hair is from God and is their "crown of glory." I'm not a black girl so I don't know the challenges they have with their hair but I do understand that it can be challenging. As a white woman with extremely curly, kinky hair throughout my life, I can resonate with that encouragement through Crowned with Glory and I love it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about the book:

I am grateful to discover a book that integrates faith into the concept of a child's identity and builds up the beauty of ethnic hair as well as the concept that a girl has so much potential.
It is good to see a book that will normalize that our 'crowning glory' can be very different from another person, but it still reflects our glory. I Corinthians 11 alive for girls.
I love the fact that this is a book about celebrating a girl's full potential that incorporates learning to Worship and the Word. It's a natural aspect not the focus of the book.
This book builds up girls that have often not been portrayed in picture books. It promotes the concept that different is not bad, it is beautiful and worth celebrating.
I learned a new word: Melanated. This means highly pigmented.
I love the spirit and personality that is expressed in the girl's life details.
What I wonder:
there are biblical concepts implied in the story, the references at the end would be nice.
will this be appreciated by those it represents? or will it be seen with a critical lens?

Thankful to partner with Waterbrok-Multnomah and review this book.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so adorable. A must read for kids of any age.

[Conny Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m full of hope from head to toe. There’s no limit to the places I can go! Plans before me–just walk them out, a future full of seeds to sprout. Goodness and mercy follow my days, and this crown of beauty will never fade,” Dorena Williamson ends her children’s book, Crowned with Glory.

~ What ~
This forty-page hardbound targets mainly Black girls ages four to eight years old who like to be inspired and empowered. With no scary scenes, the tale covers a girl growing up and learning to embrace her ethnic characteristics, including her bountiful hair. The descriptive, full-color, and full-page illustrations are expressive and detailed.

The story involves Azira, a beautiful girl with a full head of hair that makes a special statement. From her birth to college, she enjoys her cultural hairstyle at home, school, the salon, church, and her community. She learns she is crowned by God’s glory, and she is encouraged to accomplish anything she desires.

~ Why ~
This is a lovely read for girls who may feel insecure about their looks, especially if they have lots of curly hair. I like the theme throughout of the child taking the time to look good by having plaits, a topknot, Bantu knots, or textured buns plus adding a bow or hair gel and combing out tangles. The artwork is interesting, keeping younger readers engaged.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like the minor references to God. The book is geared mainly to girls so boys may feel left out. Beginner readers may struggle with the two and three-syllable words.

~ Wish ~
It would be helpful if all the rhyming worked better so the story flowed smoothly. I did not understand why a girl in a wheelchair was added only in the ending section.

~ Want ~
If you have a little girl who is of a colored race, this book would be ideal to gift her as it promotes being herself, knowing she is one of God’s crowned princesses.

Thanks to WaterBrook and Multnomah Book Launch Team for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of Crowned with Glory is what first drew me to this book. I love the pure joy on the girl's face! Crowned with Glory is written by Dorena Williamson and is illustrated by Shellene Rodney. Dorena has written several children’s books.

Crowned with Glory is an inspirational story about celebrating who you are and how God made you. While it is celebrating a young African American girl and her hair, there are quite a few positive messages woven throughout the main storyline.

Reflections of culture all around-such glory in creating beautiful crowns.

Crowned with Glory has a great message and is written incredibly well. It is an excellent lesson for children (and adults) to learn. The illustrations tell the story just as vividly as the words, with vibrant colors and realistic portrayals of Azira and her parents from birth through high school. I also appreciated the inclusion of people with different skin colors and abilities than Azira had.

I enjoyed most things about the book. It is meticulously edited, engaging, relatable, and realistic. Anyone who has ever been in a minority situation with people wanting to touch your hair or skin because it is different will relate to the message of this story. My kids had very blond hair when they were little and we lived in Africa, they were constantly being touched (without being asked if it was okay) simply because they were so pale and blond.

My only problem with the book is some of the rhyming schemes did not make sense. Also, some words will be hard for young children to read and pronounce. In addition, I struggled with slang in the book.

I would recommend this book to children from about 3 to 8 years old.

Thank you to Waterbrook Press for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read “Crowed with Glory” by Dorena Williamson, and I absolutely loved the story and the powerful message it conveys. The book beautifully celebrates courage, perseverance, and the importance of representation, making it a meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf. The illustrations are stunning and truly bring the narrative to life, capturing the heart of the story.

While I really enjoyed the book, I did notice that some parts might be a bit challenging for younger readers to fully understand. For example, concepts like the “glass ceiling” can be abstract for children, and I felt that simplifying those explanations would have made the story even more accessible. Despite this, the book’s overall message of hope and breaking barriers shines through, and it sparks great conversations between children and adults.

Overall, “Crowed with Glory” is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to dream big and believe in themselves, and I would highly recommend it to families, teachers, and libraries.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book that I wish had come out years ago. We need more books like this so that children can see more of themselves within the pages. I liked the illustrations and I can see how it would make little kids not feel so alone. The rhyming doesn't really go very well so the wording doesn't flow as nicely as you would expect from a children's book. I also didn't love that we watched the young girl grow up, I would rather that it just had her as a young girl throughout the whole thing. That would have made more sense to me. Regardless we need more books that represent Black girl joy! This would make a good addition to your book collection.


Four stars.

"I received this book from Waterbrook Press for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book for all families.

As a mother to a biracial son, it reminded me of the times he'd watch a movie while I did his hair. Knowing how long it took I wondered if there was a community and culture in which I was not privy. I would have loved reading this to my son when he was young. There are so many things in the world that tell our children of color their hair is not good enough and they're not good enough and this book speaks the truth to encourage and love themselves and remind them whose they are.

For white families who have very little knowledge of families of color, this is a great little book to read. In no way should it be your only education. Read it to your kids, talk about it. There are not only gleanings about how we should treat people who are black, but also intimates the ways in which people feel when we ignorantly step out of bounds.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crowned with Glory is a great title to celebrate during Black History Month.
Author Dorena Williamson successfully shares with the world what it is like to be a black girl - the challenges faced with the hair given by God. She follows Azira from her earliest days to the dreams of her future (college and beyond). I appreciated the Biblical values incorporated throughout the text.
Shellene Rodney incorporates a lot of diversity into her illustrations. She includes characters of many nationalities as well as some with disabilities.
Crowned with Glory would be an appropriate addition to a K-12 Christian school library. It would be great in the picture book section.
I received a complimentary copy of Crowned with Glory. This is my honest review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorena Williamson does it again with another necessary and relevant theme in her latest picture book. In Crowned With Glory, black girl joy sweeps through the pages as Azira displays the many creative hairstyles she can wear, along with the confidence that comes with knowing you exude beauty by being a child of the King. This book reminds readers that their God-given features are good. Shellene Rodney’s gorgeous illustrations pop off the page, drawing readers into a story that shows how far faith and self-assurance can take them when they’re unencumbered and free to follow their dreams. I love this book’s life-affirming message. Young readers and adults will enjoy it, too!
This honest review is based on an e-advanced reader copy from the author and publisher.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young girl and then a mom of three girls I don't remember that many, or any picture books showing other races other than white. I love how this book beautifully shows this little black girl from birth to adulthood. This story is told from the black girl's perspective and affirms her differences in each aspect of her growing up. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and while I am sure this book will target black families I believe it is a book every family should read and have on their shelves. We are all made in God's image and crowned for His glory.
Dorena Williamson wrote a beautiful book and Shellene Rodney's illustrations enhanced the story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowned with Glory is a beautiful book in both its message and its illustrations. All children would be filled with delight at the rhyming words and the beautiful, colorful drawings.

Azira's story from childhood through adulthood opens up opportunities for parents and children to discuss God's plans for each of them, including those who may feel different from others. It is not made just for girls, little boys need these same words of affirmation. They also need to know that as adults these words have meaning to us since we were created by God and we are part of His plan also.

I received this book from WaterBrook Kids in exchange for my honest review. All opinions included are my own.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a launch in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about a little African American girl who is growing up. The girl in the story reminds everyone that she should be proud of who she is, and accept her hair and melanin as part of the wonderful person God created her to be. She reminds herself that no matter what she ends up doing she can be anything she wants and the God has a plan for her, and her purpose is to be God child.
This book hit a soft spot for me, as my niece is very much like the little girl in this book. Its something I personally have experienced, but knowing that she will go through these experiences one day had me thankful for the family and friends around her who can help and support her, no matter what she decides she wants to do

[Marie Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book affirms that children are a gift—loved for who they are, just the way God created them to be. The metaphor of crowns that reflect the glory of God shows how diversity is woven into the very fabric of God's grand design and is something to be celebrated. This book radiates joy and hope as the illustrations show the different life stages of this child, who is confident in her God-given worth as she imagines all the possibilities for a bright future. I love the cover art that encapsulates the theme of this book, and the illustrations throughout the book are beautiful as well.

Thank you Waterbrook Multnomah for a digital ARC of this book. No review was required. All opinions are my own.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book, a book featuring a little black girl as the main character. She knows she is loved, by God and her family, and enjoys who God made her to be. It's good for children of color to have books that they can relate to and for all children to learn about different races and cultures. The illustrations in this story are darling and the cover is beautiful. However, I can't quite imagine what age this book is aimed at. It is a picture book, so I assume it for young children, but I don't think I would want to read my children or grandchildren a book that uses phrases like "keeps my plaits dope" and "you so fly". I understand that is black culture, but I just don't think it's appropriate for preschoolers or young children.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowned with Glory is a beautiful children’s book told from the viewpoint of an irrepressibly joyful little girl. It is a story that follows the girl through different stages of her life and it is refreshing to see her positive self image. Her crowning glory is her God-given lovely hair, which is exhibited in lots of different styles. She grows up surrounded by love and encouragement of family and friends in a faith community.

I wish every child could grow up with this kind of affirmation!

Thank you to Waterbrook Publishers for providing this book to review and the opportunity to read the book as part of the launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a wonderful message for girls that you're beautiful and unique and can accomplish whatever you set out to do, highlighting a black girl's experience with her hair as she tries out different hairstyles she can create for different activities and events. We see her grow from a baby to a woman, experiencing life by going to school, church, fun activities and making a difference in a fun rhyming style. I absolutely loved the artwork! There's a little about faith as Azira goes to church to worship, learn about the Bible and pray. I highly recommend this book for all girls!

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbook Multnomah. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was disappointing. The digital illustrations are pretty flat-looking and don't live up to the cover at all, and the book is extremely preachy in its positive messages about Black girlhood. The author introduces different Black hairstyles, emphasizes the youg girl's family bonds and relationship with God, and talks about things the girl can accomplish in her academic career and future profession, but it feels forced.

This will appeal more to adults than to kids, and despite the inviting title and cover, this feels more like canned self-empowerment messages than a good picture book. I'm giving this three stars because I appreciate the effort and know that many people will enjoy this in the absence of better options, but it could have been so much better.

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crowned with Glory
By Dorena Williamson
Rating: 4/5

Such an important and inspiring story for young black girls! I was immediately drawn to the incredible illustrations, and I fell in love with the beautiful writing. Azira’s story is an uplifting, positive message about embracing who you are and how God has made you especially when it comes to our differences. This powerful message is wrapped in kid-friendly poetry and eye-catching illustrations!

Highly recommend for all young girls!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

[Ashlie Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a mom trying to raise kids who find the beauty in those who are different than them, I felt like being given the opportunity to get an copy of this from the publisher for my thoughts was a great opportunity.

This book is extremely positive and filled with beautiful illustrations of a girl who is exploring all the things that make her beautiful and unique. It also has some adjectives and descriptive words that children may not know, but it helps them learn about those that may be different than them, and that is always positive!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowned with Glory is a beautifully wrtiten and illustrated book for children that is faith inspired. It is a tremendous story filled with basking in the joy of how God created a little black girl, Azira. She is celebrated and shown as loving and appreciating her gorgeous hair and hairstyles.
It was espeically inspiring to see her grow from a baby to an adult. It is a book that can be treasured by all cultures. Thank you Dorena Williamson for allowing God to use you in a mighty way!
I received this book as part of a launch in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie Fentress · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sweet book about knowing and loving yourself.

I love how it establishes boundaries and self-confidence, with a few nods to activism.

I know the audience is specifically for those of a certain ethnicity, but I would have loved to have seen some bridges between accepting who you are and that everyone is beautiful and of value, no matter their hair or ethnicity, because we are made in the image of God.

We need books that model acceptance and understanding as a way to bridge the divides in our country.


Thank you, #PRHChristian, for the complimentary review copy of this book.

[Jessica Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of the life of a little girl from baby to becoming an adult. She loves her head of beautiful hair and learns how to care for herself and others. It has lovely illustrations and a message of love. Definitely worth purchasing! I am going to recommend it to our local library. I am Latina and I realized I didn’t grow up reading books with anyone that looked like me. I am thankful that this generation will celebrate and appreciate uniqueness.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me smile and warmed my heart. To see a young black girl with her glorious hair celebrated is a beautiful thing. It’s way past time.

Beyond ethnicity, it’s a wonderful story about being exactly who God created you to be. This is a fabulous book for all to read. And the illustrations are gorgeous, bringing even more joy to the book. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally. A book for all little black girls all over the diaspora that celebrates our natural hair and allows us to celebrate how it grows out of our scalp. It celebrates black girl joy in all of our styles. This is something I plan to buy for all the little girls in my life and something I wish was around when I was younger.

I received a copy of the book via Waterbrook publishers and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

[Kayla Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the Biblical references that are sprinkled in this book. It adds another dimension to this beautiful and uplifting book. There is also disability representation in this book, which was done very well. Overall, this book is a great pick for a much needed reminder to little girls in the Black community that they are beautiful and unique and they can do or be anything they choose. The one critique I have is that the rhyming seemed a little off to me at times.