Like Rochelle's Jewels reviewed above, this picture book is a celebration of African American identity. There is no real story, just an upbeat message about a young girl, Kenyana, who enjoys all the things she can do with her hair. Sometimes it hurts when her mother combs through the tangles, but it is great to wear it in braids with beads that tap and clack, or in two ponytails that stick out, or to let it surround her head like a globe, Afro style. As always, Lewis' watercolors are masterful, showing the child as part of a lively community, warm in her mother's embrace at home, her curls as thick as a forest or like a vine winding upward to reach the sky. (Reviewed February 15, 1998)

Although Keyana dreads the pain of getting the tangles combed from her hair every night, her mother helps her see that her hair is also a blessing because she can wear it in cornrows, braids, an Afro, and many other wonderful ways. Expressive watercolor paintings fancifully interpret the different styles and highlight Keyana's face as it goes from wincing to reflective to joyous.

Tarpley's first book for children joins a growing list of titles about African-American hair—linking it to issues of self- esteem and acceptance. Keyana tells how her mother sits her down each night to comb her hair and to rub coconut oil into her scalp; Mama's touch and her words are always heartening. Keyana is lucky to have her head of hair because it's beautiful and you can wear it in any style you choose.'' It can be woven into a puffy bun, braided into corn rows, grown into an Afro style that is partly a political statement, or pulled into two ponytails thatstick out on either side of my head and slap in the air like a pair of wings,'' making her feel free enough to fly. Lewis's imaginative and warm interpretations of these exchanges as well as the inclusion of bits of African-American cultural history expand the personal content. (Picture book. 3-6)"

"In this gracefully told story, a young African-American heroine celebrates her lovely head of hair as part of her heritage," wrote <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">PW. Ages 3-8. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Sept.)