Osh?n and Me: A Story of Love and Braids (HC) (2025)

Tenderly illustrated by Alleanna Harris, Adiba Nelson's debut picture book Osh?n 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 Osh?n, 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 Osh?n, 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.