Picturebook Spotlight: Hair Love

I'm very much a reader who can be enticed by a beautiful cover and the artwork for Hair Love caught my eye instantly at the library where I work. So naturally it had to come home with me! But this book is so much more than its gorgeous artwork by illustrator Vashti Harrison.  

Written by former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry, this is a sweet story about the bond between dads and daughters, the beauty of natural hair, and family. I love the Black family representation, culture, and gender roles as little Zuri learns, through her dad's trial and error hairstyle attempts, that she can express herself through her various hairstyles. 

With stunning illustrations, a wonderfully empowering message that encourages young readers to embrace who they are, and a sassy feline sidekick, this is a charming and joyful story for all families to read. 

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Matthew A Cherry

Illustrator: Vashti Harrison

Genre: Picture book, BIPOC author

Type and Source: Hardcover picture book from public library (p. 32)

Publisher: Kokila

First Published: May 14, 2019

Opening Lines: My name is Zuri, and I have hair that has a mind of its own. It kinds, coils, and curls every which way.

Book Description from GoodReads: When mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to do his daughter’s hair in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters from former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestseller Vashti Harrison.

Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When mommy does Zuri’s hair, she feels like a superhero. But when mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to step in! And even though daddy has a lot to learn, he LOVES his Zuri. And he’ll do anything to make her—and her hair—happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair—and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.