Publisher Description

A celebration of natural hair, through the vibrant and varied hairstyles found in a single family. With Mylo Freeman's trademark colourful illustrations, this delightful book will show young black children the joys that can be found through their natural hair.

Author Biography

Mylo Freeman grew up in The Hague and lives in Amsterdam. She has been a full-time writer-illustrator since 1993 and has published over 50 picture books. Her debut book Potty! was awarded the Kiek Book Prize and has been translated into many languages. Mylo's best-selling Princess Arabella series is published by Cassava Republic Press.

Review

A family with hair worth talking about stars in a book that embraces inclusion. Macy tells her classmates about all the different types of hair and hairstyles in her black family. Grandma's amazing Afro when she was younger is now a neat gray one. Baby sister has bright red puffy hair that she will let only Macy brush. Big sister and her friends have locs, braids, and an Afro, and cousin Kiki's hair is a different color every time Macy sees her. The book's most heartwarming illustration features a double-page spread of Mum combing big sister's hair, who pats one of Macy's puffballs, who plays in baby's hair. Hair is truly a family affair! The vibrantly colored (perhaps watercolor) illustrations feature different types of diversity among the all-black characters: One of big sister's friends appears to be gender nonconforming, wearing a tie, shorts, and cornrows wound into two big bantu knots; one of Macy's classmates appears to have albinism, and Macy's best friend, Troy, aspires to be a famous hairdresser (while Macy intends to be a famous doctor). The endpapers showcase 13 illustrated brown-skinned hair models with flair. Notably, all of the hairstyles in Freeman's book are natural, which sends a positive message about natural Afro hair free of chemicals or heat for straightening. A fine mirror book for kids with textured hair that has endless possibilities. (Picture book. 4-8)
PreS-Gr 1-Young Macy stands proudly in front of her seated classmates and states: "I'm going to tell you all about my family's hair!" She proceeds to do just that, ruminating on her grandma's vibrant old-school Afro, her big sister's locks, and her baby sister's soft auburn curls (which only Macy can comb). Evident in her joyful commentary is the love Macy has for her friends and family and the role hair plays in their relationships. Hair is a way to connect to her grandma's past, a means of admiring cousin Kiki's unique style, and a pastime with her best friend/aspiring hairdresser Troy. "My mom always says that hair is a family affair!" Macy exclaims on a spread as mom, Macy, and her sisters are shown sitting in a line doing one another's hair. Bright, adorable illustrations depict black characters sporting a variety of hair and clothing styles, with soft watercolor blends perfectly capturing the myriad textures of natural hair. Freeman's art, a delightful mix of gentle and vibrant, is the true standout of this simple picture book that is lacking a bit in its narrative. VERDICT A sweet exploration of family and expressing love through hair care rituals. Recommended for general purchase

Promotional

Dedicated marketing and publicity spend - publicist to be engaged to promote this title.Advance Reading copies available early for reviewers, library suppliers and stores.National media targets include children's books editors and reviewers in national dailies and magazines.Author articles and interviews at time of publication.Author has growing media profile, has written articles for 'The Pool' (widely read online platform) and The Guardian (UK)Announcement e-mails to be sent to independent bookstores and book clubs, children's book bloggers and websitesHigh profile social media campaign to coincide with launch.Twitter and Facebook campaign by publisher, author and PR agent, to include contests and giveaways. Cassava Republic has has strong social media presence - over 16k followers on Facebook.Bookstore co-op available

Review Text

PreS-Gr 1-Young Macy stands proudly in front of her seated classmates and states: "I'm going to tell you all about my family's hair!" She proceeds to do just that, ruminating on her grandma's vibrant old-school Afro, her big sister's locks, and her baby sister's soft auburn curls (which only Macy can comb). Evident in her joyful commentary is the love Macy has for her friends and family and the role hair plays in their relationships. Hair is a way to connect to her grandma's past, a means of admiring cousin Kiki's unique style, and a pastime with her best friend/aspiring hairdresser Troy. "My mom always says that hair is a family affair!" Macy exclaims on a spread as mom, Macy, and her sisters are shown sitting in a line doing one another's hair. Bright, adorable illustrations depict black characters sporting a variety of hair and clothing styles, with soft watercolor blends perfectly capturing the myriad textures of natural hair. Freeman's art, a delightful mix of gentle and vibrant, is the true standout of this simple picture book that is lacking a bit in its narrative. VERDICT A sweet exploration of family and expressing love through hair care rituals. Recommended for general purchase

Details