I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley captures a realistic child’s relationship with natural hair, complete with the struggle of combing it out – a story any little black girl can relate to, with positive affirmations throughout.
Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates is a great book for any little one struggling to fit in at school, who may be teased because of her hair. Lola is sassy and cute, and has a great message!
Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron is written in the call and response tradition and could be fun to read together with your little one. The illustrations by Joe Cepeda are vibrant and stunning.
I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair! by Nicole Updegraff is super cute and full of positive reminders for any little girl with big, poofy cotton candy hair!
Happy to Be Nappy (Jump at the Sun) by bell hooks is a favorite for a reason. The lessons imparted by the famed feminist scholar are bright and beautiful, and the illustrations by Chris Rashcka just jump off the page.
Penny and the Magic Puffballs by Alonda Williams is the book to buy for your little girl who wishes her hair was like anyone’s but hers—Penny discovers the magic in her hair and that could inspire your little girl to love her own magic puffballs!
Maggie Sinclair, Will You Please Fix Your Hair?! by Hilary Grant Dixon was written in response to relatives who can send well meaning but old school messages about natural hair. If it ain’t broke, it doesn’t need to be fixed and Maggie Sinclair knows that!
Afrobella was the natural hair blogger at AOL’s Black Voices and a writer for Vogue Italia’s Vogue Black website. She has also presented keynotes at several major media expos and seminars.
