Young people need to read books and see films about other children who look like them and are going through similar experiences. Church Hat is a children’s book available via the Toronto Public Library and the Ajax Public Library systems. It is for sale at A Different Booklist, and Another Story Bookshop  bookstores, and on Amazon . The story is about a revealing conversation between a young black boy and his traditional, conservative, Jamaican mother when she finds him playing dress-up, and posing in her fancy hats. Instead of being in trouble, he experiences a joyful exchange that gives him the comfort of knowing that he can be curious and questioning without judgement or trauma.

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Beautifully illustrated by artist Janine Carrington, the rhyming narrative captures a parent's loving guidance and the joy of a child's emotional safety in being accepted in a home where he knows he belongs.

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It's a story for the whole family. If you are looking for a way to talk with your child about feelings that they are questioning, this bedtime story has tolerance and encouragement with a positive message on supporting a child to be their authentic self. Silence creates secrets, and ignorance can lead to fear.  Celebrate empathy and inclusion and share how love always wins.

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This book has been made into an animated short film. Learn more at Church Hat the Film Inc

Follow Debra on her creative journey via the following Instagram accounts:

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• Publication journey at @mybestlifebooks   

• Film production at @storytoscreen