Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Two acclaimed creators have teamed up for an unqualified and unapologetic ode to Black hairAn opening double-page spread of colorful planets, aligned in a star-spangled night sky, is followed by a depiction of Black women wearing crowns and beaming. (The backmatter explains that in 2019, Black women all over the world "made history as the titleholders of five major beauty pageants.") In rhyming verse, Weatherford pays tribute to the textures, styles, and intricate patterns of Black hair, as well as adornments, coverings, and products used to care for it. Metaphors and similes abound ("Like waterfalls, our hair cascades," "each strand a story without end"). Accompanying Weatherford's potent words, Holmes' stunning collage illustrations, in a plethora of textures, colors, and patterns, accentuate characters' beautiful brown skin. Many scenes highlight the important role that hair care plays in bringing Black women and girls together, including a depiction of a dark-skinned mother reading a story to her baby; both sport matching Afros, with a bright yellow sunflower adorning each head. An especially striking image depicts a rainy day, bathed in blues and purples, with three women wearing a hijab, a headwrap, and a gele and carrying yellow and orange patchwork umbrellas, alongside a woman wearing a patchwork wide-brimmed hat-a stirring tribute to Black women's beauty and verve.A breathtakingly gorgeous book that no reader should be without. (glossary)(Picture book. 4-8)

ALA Booklist (Thu Oct 31 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

In this vibrant, heartfelt ode to the beauty and diversity of Black hair, Weatherford's rhyming text takes young readers on an educational and celebratory journey through various textures, styles, and care routines associated with natural hair. The book features a rich tapestry of women and girls, showcasing their unique hairstyles in different scenarios and contexts, emphasizing the cultural significance and pride that comes with textured hair. Weatherford's lyrical writing is engaging, accessible, and brimming with pride alities reflected in Holmes' arresting artwork. Bold, blocky paper cutouts fill the pages with bright colors and simplistic details, creating a visually appealing experience for young readers. The illustrations not only capture the beauty and diversity of the hairstyles but also the joy and confidence of the characters, further reinforcing the book's celebratory tone. The inclusion of a hair glossary is particularly thoughtful, providing readers with definitions and explanations for any unfamiliar terms encountered throughout the story. This component enhances the book, offering possibilities for deeper understanding and appreciation of Black hair culture. A treasure trove of culture, education, and empowerment.

Kirkus Reviews

Two acclaimed creators have teamed up for an unqualified and unapologetic ode to Black hairAn opening double-page spread of colorful planets, aligned in a star-spangled night sky, is followed by a depiction of Black women wearing crowns and beaming. (The backmatter explains that in 2019, Black women all over the world "made history as the titleholders of five major beauty pageants.") In rhyming verse, Weatherford pays tribute to the textures, styles, and intricate patterns of Black hair, as well as adornments, coverings, and products used to care for it. Metaphors and similes abound ("Like waterfalls, our hair cascades," "each strand a story without end"). Accompanying Weatherford's potent words, Holmes' stunning collage illustrations, in a plethora of textures, colors, and patterns, accentuate characters' beautiful brown skin. Many scenes highlight the important role that hair care plays in bringing Black women and girls together, including a depiction of a dark-skinned mother reading a story to her baby; both sport matching Afros, with a bright yellow sunflower adorning each head. An especially striking image depicts a rainy day, bathed in blues and purples, with three women wearing a hijab, a headwrap, and a gele and carrying yellow and orange patchwork umbrellas, alongside a woman wearing a patchwork wide-brimmed hat-a stirring tribute to Black women's beauty and verve.A breathtakingly gorgeous book that no reader should be without. (glossary)(Picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 1–5 —In this eloquent ode to Black hair, Weatherford presents Black women young and old wearing their hair in various stages and styles on many occasions, whether it is to church, outdoors, at the beach, birthday parties, and so many other locations and settings. Beautifully captured in bright illustrations, the words are so lyrical and poignant that any Black child will feel uplifted. The author interweaves a nonfiction theme into an inspirational picture book with scenes composed by Holmes. The book ends with a potent epilogue in which every hairstyle is listed and explained, from bantou knots to Afros and cornrows. VERDICT A great read for every child, but Black children will find these pages especially gratifying and welcoming.—Annmarie Braithwaite