Inspiring story teaches children to face fear with faith, courage, and kindness

Grammy Award-winning recording artist and songwriter Montell Jordan and his wife, Kristin Jordan, are transforming a simple family bedtime conversation into a powerful lesson for children. Their new children’s book, Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed, offers young readers a faith-filled approach to facing fear.

The imaginative story turns a familiar childhood fear upside down by asking an unexpected question: What if the monster under the bed is actually afraid of you?

A Real Family Moment Inspired Shilo’s Story

Inspired by an experience with the Jordans’ son, the book introduces readers to Shilo, a young monster who believes something frightening is lurking above his bed—a little girl.

As Shilo struggles with his fear, he learns how to pause, pray and remember what is true. Eventually, he finds the courage to take a brave step forward.

At its heart, Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed teaches children an important lesson: Courage is not the absence of fear. Instead, courage is knowing what to do when fear appears.

Kristin Jordan explains that the idea for Shilo began with a meaningful conversation inside their home.

“Shilo began with a very real moment in our own family. When our son was little, he was afraid there was a monster under his bed, and one night I asked him, ‘What if the monster is actually afraid of you?’ That simple question changed the way he saw his fear. Years later, it became the heart of Shilo. My hope is that this story helps children discover that fear doesn’t have to have the final word—and gives parents a simple, faith-filled way to help their children find courage when the world feels scary.”

Helping Children Navigate Fear and Big Emotions

Although the book introduces Shilo as a lovable children’s character, the Jordans believe his message can reach far beyond the pages.

Through Shilo’s journey, children can learn how to recognize fear, manage big emotions and respond to uncertainty with faith. Additionally, the story reminds young readers that they do not have to face frightening moments alone.

The Jordans hope Shilo will become more than a character children enjoy. They want him to serve as a lasting reminder that bravery already exists within them.

“We want Shilo to be more than a character kids love. We want him to become a reminder of what’s already inside them. Being brave doesn’t mean you never feel afraid; it means fear doesn’t get to decide what you do next. If Shilo can help a child take a breath, remember that God is with them, and take one brave step forward, then we’ve accomplished something much bigger than simply writing a children’s book,” Montell Jordan shares.

A Faith-Based Children’s Book About Courage

Created for children ages 3–7, Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed encourages important conversations between children and the trusted adults in their lives.

Parents, teachers and caregivers can use the story to discuss fear, faith, courage and the true meaning of bravery. Moreover, the book gives adults a gentle and age-appropriate way to help children understand difficult emotions.

The story is suitable for reading at home, in classrooms, in Sunday schools and in other settings where children are learning to navigate the emotions and uncertainties that come with growing up.

When Will Montell and Kristin Jordan’s Children’s Book Be Released?

Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed is available for preorder now. The children’s book will be released nationwide on September 1, 2026, wherever books are sold.

About Montell Jordan

The Billboard Top Ten songs chart for 1995 contains the following names: Coolio, TLC, Seal, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and a man named Montell Jordan. This Is How We Do It was a breakout new jack-swing song

that topped the Hot 100 for seven weeks and R&B charts for eight. Jordan, tall and handsome with a silky-smooth voice, established himself as a powerful presence in music, brimming with talent, savvy, and charm. Over his nearly twenty-year career in music, Jordan has released seven studio albums, fourteen singles, and is a Grammy Award winning artist selling more than 10 million records worldwide.

About Kristin Jordan

Kristin Jordan is a wife of over 30 years and mother to 7 amazing kids and 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter who all reside in Atlanta, GA. Her gifts inspire and encourage people worldwide through her speaking, authorship, mentorship, youth leadership, mission work, and marriage ministry. Kristin is a Co-founder of Marriage Masterpeace Retreat Center where she and her husband are endeavoring to help save 1 million marriages! Kristin lives to see men and women walk into the destiny God has designed for their lives and is dedicated to seeing people have a greater relationship with God, deeper relationship with family, and closer relationship with others. Her passion for worship and prayer is beyond inspiring in efforts that her life will reflect Christ. She is probably best known for her unforgettable “healing hugs” that she shares to comfort and bless those she serves.