Beach Hair

March 18, 2024
Making a lively picture book debut, Woodfolk (Nothing Burns as Bright as You) pays homage to seaside ’dos of all kinds. When the child narrator and their family wake up “with the wildest bed head,” and Mommy calls it “beach hair,” the grinning trio packs up and heads to the shore. Upon arrival, the young protagonist uses comparative prose to describe various hair styles: Black-cued Mommy’s is “fluffy and big,/ like the fat white clouds,” while pale-skinned Daddy’s dark hair “is straight, going sideways with the wind,/ like the tall seagrass,” and the brown-skinned protagonist’s is “like the soft waves in the ocean.” Mata (I Love My Spots) employs brilliantly colorful digital art, portraying people of varying ages, body types, and skin tones interacting by the water: “I see BOUNCY beach hair/ and FLOUNCY beach hair./ WISPY and WOOLLY and/ UP-IN-THE-AIR beach hair.” After swimming, the family’s sun-baked ’dos change again, into “tiny spirals” like seashells for Mommy, “feathery and floppy” tresses like a seagull’s wings for Daddy, and “fat curls,/ the same shape as soft-serve” for the protagonist. It’s a well-observed celebration that’s a day at the beach. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Beth Phelan, Gallt & Zacker. Illustrator’s agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency.

April 15, 2024
An impromptu beach adventure sprouts from the bed heads of a loving family. A young, curly-haired, brown-skinned child awakens to a hairdo that just screams "beach day," according to Mommy and Daddy, who sport similar but distinct bed heads of their own. Their skin tones and hair textures (Mommy presents Black, while Daddy is pale-skinned and dark-haired) are a welcome reminder that family members often look different from one another; indeed, highlighting difference becomes a prominent element throughout the book. Woodfolk and Mata celebrate differences, from the hats the family dons to leave home ("Mommy's is wide and bendy," "Daddy's is pulled down low and tight," "Mine looks like the bucket I'll shovel sand into soon") to people's beach hair they come across when they arrive ("TWISTY and TWIRLY," "ORANGEY and OILY"). The trio quickly remove their hats when they realize that everyone else's hair is "WILD and FREE." The sun is shining, the water looks inviting, and who can resist the palm trees, birds, and splashing beach visitors, brought to life by spirited, full-color digital illustrations? Woodfolk describes the beachgoers' various hair textures, colors, and styles with delightful similes that compare hair to everything from "slippery seaweed" to "soft-serve ice cream," which will elicit laughs in readers, just as with our protagonist. A radiant love letter to family, beachy summer days, and the freedom to let your hair down. (Picture book. 4-8)

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June 1, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 This cute, simple story celebrates the beauty of diversity within families and communities. One morning, a little kid wakes up with ""the wildest bed head,"" and when Mommy playfully comments that they all have ""beach hair,"" Daddy suggests a spontaneous trip to the beach. Through the eyes of the child, readers join their family trip and a journey of discovery, observing the unique textures of their family's hair and the hair of those they encounter at the beach. Vivid descriptions paint a picture of curls, coils, waves, braids, wigs, and straight hair, showcasing the rich tapestry of hair textures within their community. As the family enjoys their day by the sea, the child marvels at the variety of hair textures among beachgoers, fostering a sense of appreciation for the beauty unique to each of us. This family story is a delightful exploration of acceptance and the joy of embracing one's natural beauty. With its playful, warm illustrations and heartfelt message, this book will spark conversations about family, physical differences, and cultural pride.

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