My Hair Curls is a wonderful and charming book by Sheryl Richards and vibrantly illustrated by Noushka Galley.
It tells the story of Angeline who is an ordinary, but remarkably special, little girl of a third generation family of African-Caribbean heritage. She lives with her mum and dad and her little brother, George.
Angeline tells her own story in a charming way, using very simple, yet very powerful words to describe the differences and the similarities- of not only her hair, but the hair of her friends.
There are also 18 beautiful butterflies for you and your child to discover which are hidden – in full view! – throughout the book.
There are also interactive elements within the book which mean that the book will become highly personalised to the very lucky owner of this book.
This isn’t one of those well-meaning yet potentially very annoying books that promote diversity in a tedious and dull way. This is a book that celebrates diversity in a bright, breezy and effective fashion.
Sheryl is not only a very talented writer, she is also a mother and her understanding of what children want and like is reflected in this “must buy” book which will make an ideal Christmas gift for any child (probably best for girls, though) no matter what their cultural identity.
It’s ideal for reading together (remember to look out for the butterflies!) and costs £6.99 in paperback from Matador.
You can buy it through the That’s Books and Entertainment bookshop, which you will find to the right hand side of this review.