HERE and NOW and SMALL and CLOSE
Best-selling author John Pavlovitz announces his first-ever children's book!
Arriving on June 23rd
A partnership with award-winning Canadian illustrator Stacey Chomiak, the book is a hopeful, spirited, heartfelt reminder of the ability each of us has in making the world a kinder and more loving place.
Through a joyful and meandering journey, a diverse cast of characters from disparate places encounter one another, as they each learn how easy it is to do something powerful right where they are, without delay.
Their trip together culminates in a vibrant depiction of what happens when everyone does the little bits that they can, as our friends’ individual offerings bring on a big, beautiful collective celebration.
HERE and NOW and SMALL and CLOSE explores themes of identity, empathy, meaning, and community in a way that speaks to children of every age.
Speaking about his first foray into children’s books, John says, “This has been so long in coming! HNSC has been a dream of mine for nearly a decade, and once I met Stacey, I knew I’d found someone who could tell this story visually in a way that no one else could. It’s truly a thing of beauty!”
The book will be accompanied by an interactive group guide developed by John for families, classrooms, and libraries to help readers make the concepts of the book come to life where they are; to take the ideas right from the pages and into their communities.
John shares the genesis of this story and his hopes for its readers:
“For years, I’ve told adults that they always have two things: proximity to need and agency to do something about it. The book reinterprets that sentiment so that even the youngest person can find their place and feel their power.
These are dark and terrifying times, and I hope that my words, along with Stacey’s gorgeous images, will bring the world the light and hope we all need right now.”
HERE and NOW and SMALL and CLOSE is available for preorder now, with the first 1,000 copies personally signed by John and Stacey.
John Pavlovitz
John is a writer, pastor, and activist known for his bold voice at the intersection of faith and justice.
A former megachurch pastor turned progressive Christian leader, he speaks candidly about inclusion, empathy, and the radical love of Jesus. Through his widely read Substack newsletter, The Beautiful Mess, and his best-selling books, including IF GOD IS LOVE, DON’T BE A JERK, A BIGGER TABLE, and WORTH FIGHTING FOR, John challenges readers to live out a faith and life that welcome everyone. He continues to travel, speak, and write, inspiring communities to pursue justice, compassion, and spiritual integrity in a divided world.
Stacey Chomiak
Stacey (she/her) is an artist, author and LGBTQ+ speaker.
She worked as a designer and art director in the animation industry for 13 years, and is now focusing her talent on writing and illustrating kids books that represent the queer community. Her illustrated memoir STILL STACE: MY GAY CHRISTIAN COMING-OF-AGE STORY published in 2021. Most recently she illustrated RAINBOW BOY AND THE PRIDE PARADE, which published May 2025 by Beaming Books. Stacey loves to dance with her two kids, cycle by the river, and paint anything that inspires her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a children's book?
What is the book about?
Does the book have a target age range?
Generally, I’d say its main audience would be 4 to 8-year-olds; however, the book is also designed to connect with older students and adults in other ways. There’s a ton of fun wordplay that littles may not fully appreciate as much as those reading to them will, and the concepts of the book will definitely resonate with all ages.
Is the book religious?
Where is the book available?
You can order signed copies of the book at pavlovitzdesign.com, as well as our hometown bookseller, Page 158 Books.
Do you have teaching supports for the book?
Yes! As we get closer to our June 23rd publication date, we will be releasing an interactive group guide developed by me for families, classrooms, and libraries, to help readers make the concepts of the book come to life where they are; to take the ideas right from the pages and into their communities!
How can we help?
We’d love for you to be part of our HNSC Launch Team by sharing about the book on social media, contacting your local bookstores and libraries, creating local book events, reviewing the book, etc. For more info, send an email to info@johnpavlovitz.com with the subject line HNSC LAUNCH TEAM.
Do you ship overseas?
Can my indie bookstore carry HNSC?
Yes! For bookstore purchases and exclusives, email info@johnpavlovitz.com with the subject line INDIE BOOK INQUIRY