Black Hair in Children's Literature: International Picture Books

This is a book with an anti-bullying message that reinforces respect for individualism. Hispanic and Black children are exposed to the divisive and bullying term, "bad hair," within their own communities. The term "bad hair" or "pelo malo" is used to describe hair that is usually of curlier texture or of a thick and coarse density. This is irresponsible and often contributes to a child's low self - esteem, dividing both communities and families. The book's purpose is to empower all children by giving them alternate terms to describe their hair, and teaching them the importance of respecting one another's differences.

Bintou wants braids. Long, pretty braids, woven with gold coins and seashells, just like her older sister and the other women in her family. But she is too young for braids. Instead, all she has are four little tufts of hair; all she ever gets are cornrows. However, when Bintou saves the lives of her two young cousins and is offered a reward of her choosing, Bintou discovers that true beauty comes in many different forms. Rich, earthy illustrations and a heartwarming story capture the spirit of a West African village in this wise tale about a girl who learns she's perfect just the way she is.

Because of teasing, Adé is a little girl who does not like her hair. Accompanied by her mother and aunts, she will gently discover the beauty of these sleeping butterflies on her head, until their final flight.

As Mama and Great-Grammaw skillfully weave and braid their children's hair into the intricate cornrow patterns of Africa, they retell fascinating tales of ancestral life in Africa and praise contemporary Black American activists

A Cuban girl transforms her long and unruly hair into a garden.

La abuela Petronila demuestra todo el amor que siente por su nieta, al contarle historias familiares. Tambi n brinda lecciones sobre la defensa del cabello natural. Este es un cuento que resalta las ra ces de la afropuertorrique idad y que infunde orgullo para que crezca la autoestima en nuestros nietos y nietas, hijos e hijas.

Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora's gorgeous collages breathe new life into this classic tale, capturing Rapunzel's striking beauty and the lush African setting'a new home for this story'with wonderful details such as Rapunzel's long dreadlocks and the prince's noble steed'a zebra. Readers will delight in the vibrant illustrations, thrill at the appearances of the frightening sorceress, and chime in with the familiar line ?Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair,? as they follow this well-loved tale.

An empowering picture book from South Africa about a young girl who overcomes endless teasing Skipping Stones Honor Award Winner 2021 Meet Wanda, with her beautiful head full of hair. She is brave and strong, but she's unhappy because of the endless teasing by the boys at school for her "thorn bush" and "thunderstorm cloud." Through Grandma Makhulu's hair secrets and stories she finds the courage to face her fears and learn to appreciate that her hair is a crown, "not a burden," and it is something to be proud of. This book is about identity and beauty, celebrating how cultural pride is learned and passed on over generations.