Oshún and Me:
A Story of Love and Braids

Written by Adiba Nelson
Published by Feiwel & Friends and MacKids
Released on January 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781250891150

Oshún and Me, written by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris. Oshún looks at Yadira, a young afro-latina girl who wears braids.

Tenderly illustrated by Alleanna Harris, Adiba Nelson's debut picture book Oshún 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 Oshún, 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 Oshún, 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.


Sneak Peek

Yadira and her mami walk toward the kitchen table because it's hair day. From Oshún and Me by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris.
Oshún throws cowrie shells to guide her people and Yadira too. From Oshún and Me, by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris.
Yadira swings with kids who wear braids too. Oshún claps for them. From Oshún and Me by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris.
Oshún and Yadira look at each other in a sunflower patch. From Oshún and Me by Adiba Nelson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris.

Praise for Oshún and Me

★ "Warm is the best description for Harris’ palette, which captures a wide range of sumptuous brown skin tones, illuminates everything from edge combs to mobility aids (Yadira uses a wheelchair and a walker), and fills each spread with radiant yellows. Complementing the art, Nelson’s text draws from deep cultural roots to enrich the everyday intimacy of wash day and fuel the sparks of community connection. ... Pure, unadulterated joy." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review


Praise for Ochún y Yo

NYPL Best Books of the Year



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