Yvonne Sewankambo (text) and Freda Chiu (illustrator), Good Hair, Walker Books, June 2024, 32pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760655709
I don’t know a single person who loves their hair just the way it grows out of their head. If we aren’t torturing it with chemicals and heat, we are cutting it off, or scraping it up into a ponytail just to get it out of the way. Birungi, our protagonist in Good Hair is no different. Doing her hair is a chore, and one morning she can’t take it any longer; “I hate my hair!” she shouts to her parents and her pet cat.
Hair is a defining part of a person’s identity, not only in terms of physical expression, but also culturally. Birungi’s curly black hair seems impossible to tame, but as her very wise (and bald) father and her beautifully dreadlocked mother show her, the secret to good hair is simple – good hair is whatever’s on your head – it is simply a matter of acceptance!
An entertaining story that has much deeper meaning than first appears, Good Hair is an inclusive reminder that self-acceptance and embracing our differences are key paths to happiness – a lesson that perhaps everyone could remind themselves of once in a while! Sewankambo’s linguistic choices are rhythmic and lyrical, and Chiu’s illustrations are bright, drawing the reader into the story. Varied fonts and sizes add visual interest, keeping young readers engaged and making each page look more dynamic, as the text complements the style of the illustrations.
Good Hair would be a fun read-aloud, and an excellent choice for young readers struggling with self esteem or questions about fitting in with others. Suitable for children from age 3-6 in school or home settings. Can be purchased from the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Kay Oddone
