Local author’s debut invites children into the shop’s special allure
Local author Keenan Jones is making his mark on children’s literature with the release of his debut book, “Saturday Morning at the ’Shop.” Released for publication on Jan. 7 by Beach Lane Books and featuring vibrant illustrations by the seasoned artist Ken Daley, this heartfelt story celebrates the vibrancy of Black culture.
The story follows a young boy spending a lively day at his neighborhood barbershop, discovering its significance as a cultural hub in the Black community. With themes of connection, tradition, and self-expression, “Saturday Morning at the ’Shop captures” the barbershop’s unique role in shaping identity and fostering belonging. Jones’ journey to becoming an author mirrors the inspiration of the focal character.
“I took out a pen and paper in the summer of 2020, and I just started brainstorming all these different ideas,” said Jones. “During that time, the barbershops were closed. And so when my barber opened back up, I sat in his chair. And that’s when the idea hit me. I’m missing this community and being around my brothers, cracking jokes and talking about politics — and all those things happen at the shop.”
Jones’ background includes education, community and creativity. At an early age, a knack for words propelled him into a future that he had not yet realized.
“I was super creative. I was reading chapter books in the first grade. I used to win spelling bees. So it’s just the knack for words has always come easy for me,” Jones said. “I always enjoyed English class and always got A’s”
A former college basketball player, his dreams of pursuing the sport professionally were cut short by a career-ending injury. “I think a lot of young Black boys need to know that there’s only a small percentage who kind of get that break and make it to the pros. And there’s always this life after sports,” Jones said.
“So that was my first opportunity to get into that space. My parents always told me to have a backup plan. So it was sitting there, I just didn’t know what it was. So I had to kind of reinvent myself a little bit.”
Undeterred, he turned his attention to education, working as an elementary school teacher. In the classroom, Jones rediscovered his love for storytelling, realizing the influential impact books have on young minds, helping them dream big and aim for greatness. He believes every child should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, and he strives to create books that serve as both a source of inspiration and a celebration of pride.
“Saturday Morning at the ’Shop” does just that. Drawing from his own family’s rich legacy of educators, pastors, athletes and musicians, Jones is committed to highlighting the beauty of Black culture in America. His writing aims to fill gaps in children’s literature by providing authentic and empowering narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while providing linkages to the book’s illustrations.
“My illustrator, Ken Daly, is from Toronto, and he drew the picture of the barber shop owner, Mr. Charlie, who looks exactly like my barber and he has never seen him before. But I think Mr. Charlie is like my dad, my uncle, and basketball coaches: All of these elderly Black men have played a significant role in my life. And then, obviously, the unnamed protagonist is me, right?” Jones said.
“I was blessed to have a mom and a dad who valued education and always put books in my hands. I think that really helped me. Being the grandson of Baptist pastors was another storyteller element. You know, it’s a cultural thing.”
Jones hopes that his debut will entertain and encourage children to dream big and embrace their own stories.
“Saturday Morning at the ’Shop,” published by Simon & Schuster, is available online and at local independent book retailers.
Aria Binns-Zager welcomes reader responses to abinns@spokesman-recorder.com.