A picture book that celebrates the community built at the hair salon and the dynamic variety of natural hairstyles!
Today is the day!
A little girl’s first trip to the salon is a rite of passage, but choosing a new hairstyle is feeling like an impossible task! There are so many styles to choose from—bobs, buns, coils, fros, and more. And according to Grandma, Momma, and Sissy, choosing the best one means thinking about ease, lifestyle, and personality…It’s A LOT to think about!
When the options seem overwhelming, the young girl decides to search for what feels right today, and that there’s always a future salon visit to try something new. While admiring the three loving women who have guided her through this big day, she finally sees it…her own kind of beautiful!
From coils and long locs to waves and braids, Salon Saturday offers a vibrant portrayal of Black hairstyles, cherishing them as both a ritual and an ever-evolving journey of self-expression.
Praise for Salon Saturday by Janelle Harper and Charlot Kristensen:
"This book is perfect for a lapsit or storytime that focuses on littles finding beauty in themselves, community traditions, and connections to elders." -BCCB Reviews
"An upbeat introduction to a beloved rite of passage." -Kirkus Reviews
Praise for My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper and Frank Morrison:
*"The artist’s careful attention to detail and the shifting visual perspectives in action scenes bring Harper’s musical text to life. The narrator argues convincingly for the Bronx as 'the coolest place I’ve ever been,' where 'dreams rise higher than the smog' and neighbors 'sparkle under streetlamps.' A culturally rich and beautifully illustrated child’s-eye view of home." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*"Kinetic, portrait-filled art from Morrison (Breaking to the Beat!) reveals the neighborhood’s sights (double Dutch, the Icee man, pickup games), vibrantly conveying the essence of the protagonist’s home: "my city/ my hood/ my block. My home/ my village/ my family/ my friends/ my soul." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Harper’s block (she hails from the Bronx) is alive, aptly called "my soul," and supported by Morrison’s images and warm colors, a refreshing invitation to visit or imagine this vivid, memorable place." --The Horn Book, starred review
"Dynamic details and an expansive sense of possibility . . . A caring depiction of urban life that will resonate with listeners who love the bustling energy and beauty of the place they call home." --BCCB Reviews
"Morrison paints vibrant spreads . . . The poetic text reads like a song and makes for a perfect read-aloud story . . . A positive and uplifting book that can be appreciated by all readers." --School Library Journal
A picture book that celebrates the community built at the hair salon and the dynamic variety of natural hairstyles!
Today is the day!
A little girl’s first trip to the salon is a rite of passage, but choosing a new hairstyle is feeling like an impossible task! There are so many styles to choose from—bobs, buns, coils, fros, and more. And according to Grandma, Momma, and Sissy, choosing the best one means thinking about ease, lifestyle, and personality…It’s A LOT to think about!
When the options seem overwhelming, the young girl decides to search for what feels right today, and that there’s always a future salon visit to try something new. While admiring the three loving women who have guided her through this big day, she finally sees it…her own kind of beautiful!
From coils and long locs to waves and braids, Salon Saturday offers a vibrant portrayal of Black hairstyles, cherishing them as both a ritual and an ever-evolving journey of self-expression.
Photos
Praise
Praise for Salon Saturday by Janelle Harper and Charlot Kristensen:
"This book is perfect for a lapsit or storytime that focuses on littles finding beauty in themselves, community traditions, and connections to elders." -BCCB Reviews
"An upbeat introduction to a beloved rite of passage." -Kirkus Reviews
Praise for My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper and Frank Morrison:
*"The artist’s careful attention to detail and the shifting visual perspectives in action scenes bring Harper’s musical text to life. The narrator argues convincingly for the Bronx as 'the coolest place I’ve ever been,' where 'dreams rise higher than the smog' and neighbors 'sparkle under streetlamps.' A culturally rich and beautifully illustrated child’s-eye view of home." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*"Kinetic, portrait-filled art from Morrison (Breaking to the Beat!) reveals the neighborhood’s sights (double Dutch, the Icee man, pickup games), vibrantly conveying the essence of the protagonist’s home: "my city/ my hood/ my block. My home/ my village/ my family/ my friends/ my soul." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Harper’s block (she hails from the Bronx) is alive, aptly called "my soul," and supported by Morrison’s images and warm colors, a refreshing invitation to visit or imagine this vivid, memorable place." --The Horn Book, starred review
"Dynamic details and an expansive sense of possibility . . . A caring depiction of urban life that will resonate with listeners who love the bustling energy and beauty of the place they call home." --BCCB Reviews
"Morrison paints vibrant spreads . . . The poetic text reads like a song and makes for a perfect read-aloud story . . . A positive and uplifting book that can be appreciated by all readers." --School Library Journal
