Hair Love

Zuri wants to create a special hairstyle but finds her thick, natural hair challenging to style on her own. Her father steps in to help, though he has never styled her hair before. The story follows their morning together as they tackle the task of hair styling, using tutorials and determination to achieve Zuri's vision. Through moments of trial and error, father and daughter work as a team. This picture book celebrates the relationship between Black fathers and daughters while highlighting the cultural significance of natural hair care. The story speaks to themes of family bonds, self-expression, and the beauty of learning new skills to support those we love.

Readers connect with Hair Love's representation of Black hair care and father-daughter bonding. Parents appreciate seeing natural hair celebrated and fathers engaged in their children's grooming routines. Readers highlight: - Illustrations that capture emotion and texture - Simple, relatable storyline for young children - Positive depiction of Black family dynamics - Teaching tool for discussions about hair care and self-love Common criticisms: - Story feels brief and basic - Some wanted more character development - Limited text for the price point Ratings: Goodreads: 4.47/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.9/5 (5,900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.9/5 (500+ ratings) Sample review: "My daughter pointed to the page and said 'That's me!' representation matters." - Amazon reviewer Another notes: "Beautiful message but wish there was more depth to the narrative." - Goodreads reviewer

Daddy Calls Me Man by Angela Johnson A young Black boy shares observations about his daily life with his father through free verse poetry.

Don't Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller A girl explains the importance of her natural hair while setting boundaries about people wanting to touch it.

Princess Hair by Sharee Miller Black and brown princesses showcase different natural hairstyles, from dreadlocks to bantu knots.

I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley A mother combs her daughter's hair each night while teaching her to celebrate her natural beauty.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes A Black boy experiences the transformation and confidence boost that comes from visiting the barbershop.

🌟 "Hair Love" began as an animated short film and won the 2020 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. 💫 Author Matthew A. Cherry is a former NFL wide receiver who turned to filmmaking and directing after retiring from football. 🎨 The book celebrates natural Black hair and was inspired by viral videos of fathers learning to style their daughters' hair. ✨ The story was partially funded through a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $300,000, exceeding its initial goal of $75,000. 🎬 The book and film sparked a movement encouraging father-daughter bonding through hair care, with the hashtag #HairLove gaining widespread social media attention.