J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

J. Dillard

Feb 2021 · J.D. the Kid Barber Book 1 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Tivia Lynnell

About this audiobook

Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business in this hilarious new chapter book series

J.D. has a big problem--it's the night before the start of third grade and his mom has just given him his first and worst home haircut. When the steady stream of insults from the entire student body of Douglass Elementary becomes too much for J.D., he takes matters into his own hands and discovers that, unlike his mom, he's a genius with the clippers. His work makes him the talk of the town and brings him enough hair business to open a barbershop from his bedroom. But when Henry Jr., the owner of the only official local barbershop, realizes he's losing clients to J.D., he tries to shut him down for good. How do you find out who's the best barber in all of Meridian, Mississippi? With a GREAT BARBER BATTLE!

From the hilarious and creative mind of J. Dillard, an entrepreneur, public speaker, and personal barber, comes a new chapter book series with characters that are easy to fall for and nearly impossible to forget.

Ratings and reviews

I purchased two versions of this book for a birthday gift for my nephew. I love the story and enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Great storytelling! I liked the delivery of J.D. into a believable and endearing character and the other characters that chimed in with their unique portrayal, style and humor. I would definitely recommend this book not only for the above mentioned reasons. It teaches children valuable lessons; just to mention a few that stood out the most to me are (1) Do not let ridicule or teasing get the best of you, (2) Be respectful to your parents, grandparents and other adults, (3) Make good use of the talent God blessed you with as it can provide an income, (4) You don't have to be an adult to be a businessman, (5) Math is a needed and important tool, (6) You will have obstacles and deterrents but do not give in or give up, (7) Stay focus on what you want to accomplish, (8) It's okay to change your mind on what you want to do or become at any age, (9) To forgive and have empathy, and (10) Appreciate your family. Although this story is targeted to children, I think adults will find it as enjoyable as I did and learn several lessons as well.

About the author

J. Dillard (known as the "Barberpreneur") is a master barber, a certified consultant, and an industry leader who started cutting his own hair at the age of ten. He began cutting hair professionally in 1999 and became a shop owner while attending college at Tuskegee University in Alabama. He travels the country with his clients as a personal barber and calls Atlanta home. This is his first book series for children.

Akeem S. Roberts is an illustrator based in Brooklyn. He works as an in-house animator for Holler Studios and contributes cartoons regularly to The New Yorker. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. When Akeem is not working, he likes to make comics about his day-to-day life on Instagram @AkeemTeam.