The Coolest Beard

February 15, 2023
A young Black child longs to have a long, full beard like his father's. Isaac and his dad often go to the barbershop, but Isaac isn't allowed to listen while Dad and the others discuss "grown folks' business," like Mr. Williams' recent accident. On the way home, Isaac asks his dad if he will have a beard of his own, and his father tells him that he will someday, when he is one of the "grown folks." Impatient Isaac imagines what that will be like in a humorous series of illustrations that show him storing snacks in the beard, using it as a leash to walk his dog, Peetie, and jumping rope with it. When he notices his dad using beard oil to help his beard grow, Isaac spends the next six weeks oiling his face to no avail. At the next barbershop appointment, Isaac receives a surprise. As he sees his father giving money to Mr. Williams, who hasn't been able to work since his injury, he learns that his dad's beard may not be the coolest thing about him and that "grown folks' business" means supporting one's community. Accompanied by endearing cartoonlike illustrations, the book conveys Isaac's admiration for his father, depicts him learning patience, and highlights barbershop culture--something many readers will find relatable. Characters throughout are Black. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Full of familial and community warmth, this is a book that will grow on readers. (Picture book. 4-8)

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May 8, 2023
Fascination with a father’s facial hair—“as long as the slide at the park and as thick as the bushes in our backyard”—leads a child toward an appreciation of community care in this story of maturation. At the local barbershop, Isaac wants to listen in when the adults talk “grown folks’ business,” but Dad says he must wait until he’s older. Wanting to contribute, and understanding that “by the time you get a beard, you’ll be one of the grown folks,” the child begins secretly using Dad’s face oil to speed up the process. When the longed-for beard fails to materialize, Dad and others at the barbershop still find ways to make Isaac feel included, in both the Black-cued community and in the barber’s chair, reinforcing Tekle’s messaging about the importance of people helping one another. Realistic renderings are expressively animated, especially a standout montage that humorously envisions Isaac using his future whiskers for storing snacks and jumping rope. Ages 4–8.