Kristin and Montell Jordan Turn a Childhood Fear Into a Lesson in Courage With New Children’s Book

Grammy Award-winning recording artist and songwriter Montell Jordan and his wife, Kristin Jordan, are bringing a meaningful family story to young readers with their new children’s book, Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed.

Inspired by a real moment from their own family, the book takes a familiar childhood fear and turns it into an opportunity to explore courage, faith and perspective. At the center of the story is Shilo, a young monster who becomes convinced that something frightening is waiting above his bed — a little girl.

Rather than simply running from his fear, Shilo learns to pause, pray, remember what is true and take a brave step forward.

The story was inspired by a conversation Kristin had with one of the couple’s children when he was young. After her son expressed fear that a monster was under his bed, Kristin asked him a simple question: What if the monster is actually afraid of you?

That question ultimately became the foundation for 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,” Kristin Jordan shares.

Created for children ages 3–7, Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed is designed to give families an accessible way to talk about fear, faith, courage and big emotions. The story can be enjoyed at home, in classrooms, Sunday schools and other environments where children are learning how to navigate the uncertainties that come with growing up.

For the Jordans, however, Shilo is intended to become more than a character in a children’s book.

“We want Shilo to be more than a character kids love. We want him to become a reminder of what’s already inside them,” Montell Jordan says. “Being brave doesn’t mean you never feel afraid; it means fear doesn’t get to decide what you do next.”

That message reflects a larger chapter in the Jordans’ work centered around faith, family, encouragement and helping others recognize their own purpose.

A Story Rooted in Faith and Family

The book emphasizes that courage does not mean never experiencing fear. Instead, Shilo learns that fear can be acknowledged without allowing it to control his next move.

Through Shilo’s journey, young readers are encouraged to understand that frightening moments are something they can work through, especially when they have trusted adults helping them navigate those emotions.

The faith-centered message is also intentional. Shilo learns the importance of prayer and remembering that God is present even when circumstances feel overwhelming.

For parents and caregivers, the story provides an opportunity to begin conversations with children about what scares them and how they respond when those feelings arise.

Montell Jordan’s Legacy Continues Beyond Music

Montell Jordan first became a household name with his breakout 1995 hit “This Is How We Do It,” which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts and established him as one of the defining voices of the era.

Over the course of his career, Jordan has released seven studio albums and numerous singles while selling more than 10 million records worldwide. His influence has extended beyond music into faith, family, ministry and community work.

Kristin Jordan has built her own platform through speaking, authorship, mentorship, youth leadership, mission work and marriage ministry. She and Montell are co-founders of Marriage Masterpeace Retreat Center, where they work to strengthen marriages and families.

Together, the Jordans continue to use their platforms to encourage people to deepen their relationships with God, family and one another.

With Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed, that mission now reaches a younger generation.

A New Chapter for Shilo

The Jordans envision Shilo growing beyond the pages of the book and becoming a recognizable reminder for children that fear does not have to define them.

For Montell and Kristin, the goal is simple: give children a character they can connect with while giving families a meaningful tool for discussing some of life’s biggest emotions.

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