Happy to Be Nappy : Book Review

"Happy to Be Nappy" by bell hooks is a delightful children's book that celebrates the beauty and diversity of natural Black hair. It uses colorful illustrations and simple rhymes to promote self-acceptance, confidence, and pride in one's unique hair texture. The book showcases a wide range of hairstyles, from afros to braids, twists to locks, and emphasizes the importance of embracing and loving oneself just the way they are.

The illustrations by Chris Raschka truly bring the story to life, with vibrant colors and expressive characters that captivate young readers. The playful rhymes add a joyful rhythm to the reading experience, making it even more enjoyable. The book also includes a glossary at the end, providing definitions for hair care terms, which can be educational for both children and adults.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on confidence and self-acceptance. It encourages children, especially those with natural Black hair, to embrace their unique hair textures and styles. By featuring a diverse range of characters, the book promotes inclusivity and teaches children that there is no one "right" way to look or have their hair. This positive representation sends a powerful message about self-love and acceptance.

"Happy to Be Nappy" not only celebrates Black hair but also challenges mainstream beauty standards. It teaches children to resist societal pressures to conform and encourages them to define their own beauty. This is an important lesson for young readers, as it promotes a positive body image and self-esteem from an early age. By portraying natural Black hair as beautiful and valuable, the book helps break down biases and fosters a more inclusive society.

Overall, "Happy to Be Nappy" is a wonderful children's book that promotes self-love, acceptance, and diversity. It is an empowering and uplifting read for children of all backgrounds, emphasizing the beauty of natural Black hair and encouraging confidence in one's appearance. With its engaging illustrations and positive message, this book is sure to inspire young readers to celebrate their unique selves.

What are readers saying?

The reviews for "Happy to Be Nappy" on Goodreads are mainly positive, with readers expressing their appreciation for the book's positive messages and captivating illustrations. Many reviewers commend the book for promoting self-acceptance and celebrating natural hair.

A common sentiment among reviewers is that "Happy to Be Nappy" effectively teaches children to love and appreciate their unique features. Readers find the book empowering as it emphasizes the beauty of diverse hair textures and encourages children to feel confident in their own natural hair. The simple and relatable language used in the book also receives praise, making it easily accessible for young children.

The illustrations in "Happy to Be Nappy" are highly regarded by reviewers, with many mentioning that the vibrant and colorful images perfectly capture the wide range of natural hairstyles. These illustrations are not only visually appealing but also serve as visual representation for children to see characters who look like them, promoting inclusivity and representation.

Reviewers appreciate the way "Happy to Be Nappy" addresses societal pressures and stereotypes surrounding hair. They find the book's positive portrayal of natural hair to be a refreshing change from mainstream media and commend it for promoting self-esteem and confidence in children. Some also mention that the book serves as an excellent conversation starter, allowing parents and educators to discuss topics such as cultural diversity and embracing one's own identity.

Although the majority of reviewers provide positive feedback, a few mention that they would have liked the book to include more detailed discussions on the history and cultural significance of natural hair. However, it is important to note that "Happy to Be Nappy" primarily targets a younger audience, so the simplified approach is understandable.

HappyToBeNappy KidLit ChildrensBooks