For the African American narrator of this lively story, the local barbershop is a one-stop shop of sorts where the community can relax together, especially on a Saturday morning. “The ‘Shop is our sound booth. Barbers blast their favorite beats. Folks bob their heads to the rhythm.” The ‘Shop is also their “gallery,” the walls hung with portraits of Black heroes. It’s a raucous “sports show” when there’s a game on TV. It’s a “comedy club” where people crack jokes, a “showroom” where people sell or pitch their wares, and a “classroom” where the kids learn not only “lessons about Black leaders” but also “the latest hip-hop buzz.” Of course, the ‘Shop is also a “studio” where “hair is the canvas, clippers are the brush, creating walking pieces of art.” The love the narrator has for his community is palpable in this joyful celebration of a space that is much more than just a business.

Spend Saturday morning at the barbershop in this upbeat picture book celebration of the spaces and places that bring communities together.

It’s Saturday morning. We hop in the car. Mom’s heading to work, and I’m geeked to go spend the day at the ’shop!

The barbershop is a sound booth, an art gallery, a playground, a classroom, and so much more. It’s a place for artistry and comradery and, most importantly, community. Come spend the day feeling all the style and wisdom and joy at the ’shop!