The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard

There's a moment that happens in almost every barbershop that most people never think twice about — guards come down, stories come out, and something passes between a father and a child that has nothing to do with hair. Children's author Monica Mikai grew up hearing it in her own father's shop, and turned it into a picture book, Haircut Day with Dad. She joins Esther Dillard to talk through everything that ritual actually teaches kids — connection, identity, and gratitude — long before they're old enough to notice they're learning it.

In this episode, you'll hear: why Monica Mikai wrote Haircut Day with Dad, inspired by her father's barbershop; how barbershop culture compares to salon culture in her experience; why sound and sensory detail matter in the story; how the ritual helps fathers connect with their sons and builds emotional safety, confidence, and identity; what changed when families cut hair at home during COVID; and why she teaches kids to tip and show gratitude.

Music: Licensed via Artlist.io

Guest links: Haircut Day with Dad (order the book) — https://amzn.to/3TdG956. Monica Mikai — monicamikai.com. Instagram — @monicamikai.

For educators: free discussion resources drop first on Substack at substack.com/@iamestherdillard. Full guides and lesson plans live at ColorBtwLinesMarket on Etsy.

If this conversation moved you, subscribe to The Color Between the Lines wherever you get your podcasts — new episodes drop regularly. Your story matters. So does hers.