Meet David Jesse King, a neurodivergent kid whose good intentions often land him in hilarious trouble, in this new Christian chapter book series from USA TODAY bestselling author Bunmi Laditan!
Packed with humor, heart, and relatable lessons about faith, friendship, and more, David’s Diary brings David’s everyday adventures to life through entertaining diary entries and vibrant, full-color illustrations. Perfect for Christian families and young readers ages 6 to 9!
David Jesse King is absolutely thrilled to be at a real, honest-to-goodness, actual sleepaway camp for the first time. It’s going to be the best week of David’s life! But when someone dumps a huge bowl of chocolate pudding on his head, David’s church camp experience is ruined. How will summer camp week pan out for David and his best friend Nate?
Themes: Forgiveness, Emotional Regulation, Overcoming Fear, and Personal Growth.
Even though David Jesse King tries his best and has good intentions, trouble always seems to follow him! David has high hopes of winning the Faith & Fun Science Fair—until someone sabotages his chances... A new girl named Abby, who seems good at everything, also starts stealing David’s thunder. Can David figure out who is sabotaging his entire class?
Themes: Teamwork, Working with Others, Friendship, and Honesty.
David loves Christmas, and he is excited to show off his fancy Christmas gift at school! But everything changes when the cool gadget makes him a target of the school bully. His big heart and attitude are about to be put to the test. Can David find a way to deal with Greg's bullying on his own, or will Greg’s threats keep him trembling with fear?
Themes: Bullying, Courage, and Seeking Help.
Join David in another season of life as he navigates the complexities of childhood friendships and community! Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and David’s junior youth group is hosting a “Share the Love” fundraiser—but he’s paired with Naomi, the last person he wants on his team. Will the fundraiser be a success?
Themes: Friendship, Hope, Patience, and Forgiveness.
Look Inside
Take a sneak peek at some pages from David's Diary!
A page from David's Diary #1: The Summer Camp Disaster
A page from David's Diary #1: The Summer Camp Disaster
A page from David's Diary #2: The Science Fair Sabotage
A page from David's Diary #2: The Science Fair Sabotage
A page from David's Diary #3: The Big Bully
A page from David's Diary #3: The Big Bully
A page from David's Diary #4: Best Buds for Never
A page from David's Diary #4: Best Buds for Never
A Note from the Author
Who did I write David’s Diary for?
I wrote it for all the kids who are a bit different and need a reminder that they’re not alone. There’s help in friendship, family, community, and the Shepherd who never leaves and always helps: Jesus.
I never mention neurodivergent labels in the book—not that labels aren’t helpful. Labels help kids get the support they need, but the book is written in diary format, where a kid is just being a kid.
Kids will see David learn that he is creative and brave (and yes, a bit impulsive), but also that there is grace and growth for those who struggle.
Kids will see Nate—a kid who eats only a few foods at the beginning of the series and tends to be pretty quiet but runs deep—learn how to stand on his own two feet, and challenge himself in new ways. You will see Nate deliver quick-witted responses, offer wise counsel, and learn that he wasn’t born to be just a sidekick.
I want kids who face unique challenges to know that the way we start doesn’t have to be the way we finish. There is healing, wins, fun, friendship, and victory.
—Bunmi Laditan
Meet the Author
Bunmi Laditan
Bunmi Laditan
Bunmi Laditan is the humorist behind the social media phenomenon The Honest Toddler. Her debut book, Confessions of a Domestic Failure, quickly became a USA Today bestseller, and she has since published many other titles exploring motherhood. Bunmi is a regular contributor to online platforms such as Parenting, Mothering, iVillage, and HuffPost, and she has appeared on TODAY, Good Morning America, and CBS Sunday Morning.
