A Single Dreadlock

Written by Xaiver Michael Campbell

Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-938-8

32 pp.

Ages 3–6

September 2025 

 

For many, our hair, or lack thereof, can define us. If hair is present, it can be one of the first attributes by which people identify others: colour, length, texture, appearance. And when you're new to a community and your hair is unusual, it can unfortunately become the difference that separates rather than connects. Ask Lovie.

From A Single Dreadlock, written by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

As a young child in Jamaica with his dads and grandma, Lovie grew up feeling like he belonged. He looked like the other kids, and his grandmother would care for his hair every Sunday before bedtime. She would grease and comb and then style it whatever way he wanted. But then he and his dads move to Newfoundland, and no one, not even his fathers, know how to tame his curly hair. In the summer, his hair is free and full and playful, dreading in one spot only. Lovie likes that. But when he goes to school, a bully pulls at the one dreadlock and makes fun of Lovie's hair. Now, instead of appreciating all the loveliness of his hair, Lovie wants to hide the dreadlock and avoid the teasing. 

From A Single Dreadlock, written by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

When his grandmother comes for a surprise visit for Chanukkah, she reassures him that dreading is what their hair type does naturally, and that his strands are full of love. Loving the idea of his hair hugging itself in dreads, he's pleased when his grandmother gets out her hair grease and works on Lovie's hair, making perfect dreads. Proudly he displays them at school. When he's taunted once again, he tells the kids, "They're called dreadlocks, and I love them. And please don't touch my hair."(pg. 28)

From A Single Dreadlock, written by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Lovie's story is Xaiver Michael Campbell's story. It's one of immigration from Jamaica to Newfoundland. It's one of fitting in to a new community and self-acceptance. It's one of heritage and family, of traditions and self-love. It's a big story about hair. You just wish young Lovie didn't need to endure any intolerance of his differences, but we can be thankful that he has a grandmother with such wisdom and love to help him see the joy of his hair. A writer of both fiction and non-fiction, A Single Dreadlock is Xaiver Michael Campbell's first children's book. And it is a deeply personal one because it is one that was lived. Still, Xaiver Michael Campbell's focus is on the joy that is his hair and the help he gets from his grandmother–as well as some generous aids–rather than the bullying. By placing the emphasis on Lovie rather than his unnamed bully, Xaiver Michael Campbell lets young readers see that Lovie and how he feels about his own hair is the story.

 

The joy of Lovie's life in Jamaica and in Newfoundland is depicted in Eugenie Fernandes's paintings (acrylic on watercolour paper). She emphasizes Jamaica's tropical nature and Newfoundland's temperate climate with shades of yellow and blue, but she always makes Lovie this beacon of happiness. Eugenie Fernandes has always been able to bring the warmth of goodness into her art work (e.g., When Rabbit Was a Lion, 2023, and Finding Lucy, 2019), showing children, or animals, finding the strength to be themselves, regardless of those who cannot accept differences. Between her choice of colours and the lushness of the lines she uses to create shapes, whether mangoes, water, or hair, Eugenie Fernandes makes us feel the warmth of place and people.

 

We all have something that makes us unique. It might be a single dreadlock, or a physical attribute, or a skill. But a difference does not need to isolate us. It can be a difference that bears strength and individuality rather than inequality. I hope that Xaiver Michael Campbell always celebrates his hair in whatever style he wants now.

The Inquisitive Raven

Written by Richard Wagamese

Illustrated by Bridget George

D & M Kids (Douglas & McIntyre)

978-1-771624497

32 pp.

All ages

September 2025 

 

Last year, the first book in the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection, The Animal People Choose a Leader, was published. This beautiful book, a retelling of a short story by the late Richard Wagamese with illustrations by Bridget George, introduced new readers to his writings. Now, with The Inquisitive Raven, the second book in this collection, a story of curiosity, determination, and self-acceptance, there will be new readers of all ages who will be drawn to the wisdom in Richard Wagamese's Ojibwe storytelling and the beauty of Bridget George's digital artwork.

From The Inquisitive Raven, written by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George

Rueben is the titular inquisitive raven. Some might see him as nosy, but he just finds the world to be an amazing place. He is especially curious about the other animals and what they do.  Grampa Raven, ever supportive, tells Rueben, "Wonder is the glue that holds everything together. It keeps you searching, eager for more." (pg. 10) 

 

When Rueben sees a magnificent eagle with its impressive wingspan and ability to soar, his grandfather tells him of Migizi and that she is blessed with many gifts. Sadly, Rueben then sees himself as lacking and decides to learn to soar like Migizi. 

He craved the sensation of becoming more: bigger somehow, more beautiful, less a raven and more revered and respected like an eagle, through the singular act of soaring. (pg. 17) 

From The Inquisitive Raven, written by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George

With great determination and much practice, Rueben learns to soar, but when he goes to demonstrate his newfound ability, fatigue and fear get the better of him and he plummets to the ground. He is devastated to think that others will not respect him as they do Migizi, but Grampa Raven has wise words to share about Rueben's own gifts and the blessing that is respect.

From The Inquisitive Raven, written by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George

Taken from Richard Wagamese's One Drum: Stories and Ceremonies for a Planet (Douglas & McIntyre, 2013), The Inquisitive Raven has an important message about self-acceptance. Like many of us, Rueben aspires to be admired, though he doesn't recognize that he already is appreciated by the other animals for his curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. In fact, it is that curiosity and passion for knowledge that takes him to try something new and work hard at achieving it. He may not reach the heights of Migizi, but his skill at soaring and his consequent plummeting are recognized as amazing just the same. Through Rueben, Richard Wagamese helps us respect the best in ourselves.

 

Bridget George is an Anishinaabe illustrator who has also authored her award-winning picture book It's a Mitig! (D & M Kids, 2020). Her art is created digitally with a Woodland style to her animals, giving shape and movement with the internal lines. While Rueben and many animals are in earthy browns and blacks, Bridget George adds colour in her landscape features like the blues and pinks of her skies and water, and in her decorative, embroidery-like flowers.

From The Inquisitive Raven, written by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George

The Inquisitive Raven will be a much-cherished gift that will be appreciated for many years and countless generations. Beautifully covered in textured buckram, and decorated with Bridget George's Woodland-style art, The Inquisitive Raven lets us connect once again with Richard Wagamese and share in his insight into the value of curiosity and recognizing the gifts we have.

 

• • • • • • •

 

For teachers, there is a Teacher's Guide available from Douglas & McIntyre here.

 

 • • • • • • •

I Am Not a Sloth

Written by Marie-Pier Meunier

Illustrated by Valérie Desrochers

CrackBoom! Books

978-2-898026041

32 pp.

Ages 6-9

May 2025 

Harry may be a sloth i.e., the mammal but he is not lazy or complacent. He is more than just sloth, and he wants everyone to see all the things that he is because he has a big personality and he's proud of it. In fact, he introduces the reader to all the Harrys he is.

From I Am Not a Sloth, written by Marie-Pier Meunier, illustrated by Valérie Desrochers

He is joyful and generous, but he can also be furious and cranky. He can be studious and adventurous but also proud and anxious. He is typical in that he is a blend of positives and less positives, lovely traits and others when challenged with life. He may be a sloth–which he finally accepts–but he's so much more.

I am HARRY

and that suits me just fine.

I like myself as I am, one of a kind. 

From I Am Not a Sloth, written by Marie-Pier Meunier, illustrated by Valérie Desrochers

Quebec's Marie-Pier Meunier's message is that all of us are not just one thing. We are a blend of so many traits, both good and less desirable, that make us who we are. We might not always like being envious or stubborn and we certainly don't want to be labelled based on a single trait or a single bad act because we are more than our worst moments. Too often children are told by their peers or a parent or a teacher than they are one thing, whether precocious or difficult, lazy or entitled, and that's all they will remember or fear that's how everyone will see them. Harry is more than a sloth in his behaviours but then aren't we all? We all have days of inefficiency or fatigue or even unkindness, but we should not let those moments define us. It's unfortunate that we often see ourselves and others in terms of our worst not who we truly are. It's hard for Harry to accept that he is a sloth because of the connotations associated with that label but Marie-Pier Meunier lets him see how much more he is–just as young readers might do so–and how full his personality is. (Her author's note speaks about how personalities are formed, that we are not defined by our emotions, and that labels are hurtful.)

From I Am Not a Sloth, written by Marie-Pier Meunier, illustrated by Valérie Desrochers

Valérie Desrochers, an illustrator also from Quebec, makes I Am Not a Sloth a joyful acceptance of self beyond the obvious. She makes Harry both shy and brave in acknowledging his true self. He has twinkling eyes, a smile that is both affectionate and self-deprecating, and a face that expresses all the good and the not-so-good traits that are Harry. And in a landscape of lush fronds and leaves, as well as in a playful house setting, readers get to see the big picture that is Harry.

 

I Am Not a Sloth would a fabulous starter for so many lessons, from writing characters that are full-developed to self-image and acceptance. Most of all, it is a sweet story about acknowledging everything about ourselves, good and bad, and not dwelling on the worst, and that includes avoiding labelling, a harmful practice that overlooks the individual as a whole.

From I Am Not a Sloth, written by Marie-Pier Meunier, illustrated by Valérie Desrochers

Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse

Written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-1299-1

64 pp.

Ages 6-9

September 2024

 

We all want to feel special at some point. For some, having a shining moment is enough. For others, like Steve the Horse, it's all about being the centre of attention and perceived as exceptional. Thing is, what makes him exceptional?

Author-illustrator Kelly Collier first introduced Steve in her picture books A Horse named Steve (2017) and Team Steve (2018) but this time Steve gets to show off his exceptionality in this first of an early graphic novel series. (The next books in the series, Steve, a Rare Egg and Steve, Born to Run, are slated for release in June and September respectively.) With a little more story and a lot more illustrations, Kelly Collier gives Steve the opportunity to shine, sort of.

From Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

While hanging with his bestie Bob, the raccoon, Steve witnesses the grandeur of a peacock when it spreads its feathers. Steve, ever the self-absorbed horse, asks Bob, "I know I'm special, Bob, but am I exceptional?" Unfortunately, Bob's reply, citing Steve's nice coat and ability to run fast, isn't sufficient to allay Steve's concerns. 

From Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

But when Steve discovers a golden horn that he can tie onto his head, he believes it will be just the thing to make him exceptionally beautiful. Still, when he approaches his friends to recognize his exceptionality, they seem unimpressed. (It doesn't help that the horn is starting to creep off his head until it's hanging under his chin.) And then the horn is lost.

How is Steve supposed to feel special without his golden horn? And will he still be special if his friends find their own ways to stand out?

From Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

While Kelly Collier could have made Steve tiresome with his self-centeredness, she actually makes him more lovable than annoying. He just wants to stand out. Problem is that he wants to always be seen as exceptional. It's all about him. Still, there are moments of caring for others, like helping Bob reach the apples high in the trees. Steve might not like it but he's a lot like everyone, showing moments of the extraordinary and a lot of ordinary. So, Kelly Collier's Steve will help young children see the flaws of ego when it gets in the way of supporting others. She also brings attention to Steve's friends who, similarly, choosing to be extraordinary, are willing to copy the horse's head decoration with their own, using everything from an acorn to a branch or a leaf.  

As an early graphic novel, Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse, has the right elements for encouraging reading. It's got terrific illustrations that are both simple and detailed enough that everyone and everything is recognizable, thereby allowing kids to focus on meaning and enjoying the humour. While there are subtle messages about being egocentric and being a follower, Kelly Collier will just get kids reading and laughing in a pretty exceptional story.

How to Staycation Like a Snail

Written by Naseem Hrab

Illustrated by Kelly Collier

Owlkids Books

978-1-771476126

40 pp.

Ages 5-8

September 15 2024

 

Snail, from Naseem Hrab's How to Party Like a Snail, is back. And while his many friends are heading to far-off places for their vacations, Snail has other plans.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Snail has always appreciated the quiet and serenity of his home. He sees the wonder in everything from a pebble to a map, the trails he leaves and the stars in the sky. He doesn't need the frenzy of travels away from home. So, when he declines his friends' invitations to join them on their party bus headed to the city, Snail stays behind with Stump, finding their own adventures at home.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

They listen to a waterfall, they smell the smells, and they watch the light and shadows dance with the leaves. And just when they think that they've seen and done everything there is to do, some parachute seeds blow in. These wispy travellers are using the guidebook for Snail and Stump's location and are so delighted in the smells and sounds and "attractions" of their vacation spot that they decide to stay.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

For children who may never get the opportunity to travel from home and are made to feel that their summer vacations don't count because they didn't go anywhere, How to Staycation Like a Snail validates their experiences and gives them directives on how to staycation with satisfaction. From watching and being mindful, to making new friends and spending time with old friends, Snail's staycation is fulfilling and heartwarming. Naseem Hrab's heartfelt insight into those who aren't party animals but still joyous in their living comes through loud and clear. (Okay, maybe quietly.) As she did in her Governor General award-winning picture book, The Sour Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, Naseem Hrab touches readers with heartfelt understanding how we are all different. How we find adventures in our lives or heal or find joy may be unusual but still valid and should never to be diminished with judgment.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Kelly Collier, who has illustrated Naseem Hrab's Otis & Peanut books as well as her own, like A Horse Named Steve and The Imposter, has the skill to bring humour and lightness to issues like fitting in and self-acceptance. She takes Naseem Hrab's words and spins them into joy, from seeds applauding the mesmerizing Stick to Stump tossing aside a tumbleweed that blew in near him (that is, after he spent time appreciating this new entity). Snail and Stump have few features to emote, but Kelly Collier makes them so expressive, giving them the ability to show surprise and shock, and distress, happiness and so much more. She brings them and the story to life in colour and line.

As someone who appreciates her home and doesn't feel the need to travel to find satisfaction or new experiences, I'm with Snail and Stump. There's always something wonderful and new to discover even in places with which you are familiar. So, instead of "Bon Voyage," let's wish all the staycationers a "Bon Sejour" and stop travel shaming those who prefer not to do so because...

 

It's hard being the only epic explorer who wants to stay home.

The Reflection in Me

Written by Marc Colagiovanni

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Orchard Books (Scholastic)

978-1-338-812048-6

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

March 2024 

 

When you look in the mirror, do you see your hair out of place, or a crooked smile, or a body shape that is too little or too much? Do you see something less than the perfection you want? Are those expectations from others, from social media, from yourself? Wouldn't it be nice to hear the voice inside tell you you're more than enough? What if it was your voice telling you that you are "perfectly perfect"? In The Reflection in Me, it is.

From The Reflection in Me, text by Marc Colagiovanni, art by Peter H. Reynolds

Before our story has even started–the above illustration is from the title page–a child has glanced in a mirror and casts their eyes down, dejected. But surprisingly the reflection in the mirror speaks to the child and tells them, "I like being you."  The child is astonished as the reflection recounts all the wonderful things about the child. From their amazing eyes that "sparkle like stars on the darkest of nights" to their marvelous voice that is as "joyous as a songbird whistling in the trees." 

From The Reflection in Me, text by Marc Colagiovanni, art by Peter H. Reynolds

At first, the child listens in disbelief, finding it difficult to believe these positive statements about themselves. (Their reflection is talking to them after all.) But, with each affirmation by the reflection, who speaks in a lilac font, the child begins to accept the positives about their smile, smartness, bravery and more, and always receives them with humility and delight. 

"I like that you are friendly."

I leaned in closer.

"It's very important to be caring, you know."

"It sure is. You're as gentle as a butterfly."

From The Reflection in Me, text by Marc Colagiovanni, art by Peter H. Reynolds

Like their earlier collaboration, When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left (2023), Marc Colagiovanni and Peter H. Reynolds  have given us a story to empower children. In The Reflection in Me, children will learn to take stock of their positive attributes so that there may be self-acceptance and self-love. Children may not always get the encouragement or love they need to sustain themselves or to help them tackle challenges which they must face. With The Reflection in Me, kids are encouraged to look a little more closely at themselves and see the good stuff, without becoming arrogant or self-important. (For example, a tumble after a twirling dance could have embarrassed the child but they ended up laughing instead.)

Though Marc Colagiovanni is American which should preclude a review of The Reflection in Me on CanLit for LittleCanadians, his collaboration with Peter H. Reynolds gives him the favour of inclusion here. His words are impactful but spoken and heard by a child who needs to hear them. There is no pretense or preaching. There is only hope that all children will see the best in themselves.

 

 May you always see yourself as you truly are... perfectly perfect.

 

From The Reflection in Me, text by Marc Colagiovanni, art by Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds is all about the light and goodness that children have and can find in themselves. His collection of books, which include his recent All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! and Say Something!, are gentle reminders that children can be and do good. Peter H. Reynolds puts it all their hands, showing them what they can do. And he does it with brightness and colour. The Reflection in Me is similarly vibrant in colour but Peter H. Reynolds keeps the art simple so as not detract from the focus on self-acceptance (and not finding acceptance from the approval of others). It's a child and a mirror, and that's it. He doesn't need anything else. The expressions on the child and their reflection say it all. With just a subtle shifting of a line for a brow or a smile, or the reach of an arm, Peter H. Reynolds gives us delight and spirit and connection. It invites us to enjoy their repartee and be charmed with the self-learning that happens.

Self-acceptance may come from within but a little reinforcement from The Reflection in Me will certainly not hurt. With its perfect tone of support and brightness of art, The Reflection in Me will charm and inspire and hopefully empower children to find the best affirmations are inside themselves.

💜 💛  💙  💜  💚  🧡  💜

This short film, from 2017, upon which The Reflection in Me is based, is available at the channel of FableVision Studio (founded by Peter H. Reynolds) on YouTube.

 

Posted by FableVision on June 16, 2017 on YouTube

Leon Levels Up (Orca Currents)

Written by Paul Coccia

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-459837355

112 pp.

Ages 9-12

RL 2.3

February 2024

 

Twelve-year-old Leon Garcia considers himself a low-level kid gamer. He's not low-level because of his game playing but because of who he is. All he sees is that he's chubby, his mom cuts his hair, he wears his cousin's hand-me-downs, and he uses outdated tech. So, when his classmate Nico Saito, son of the founder of video-game developer Pix Grid, approaches him and invites him to game together on the weekend, Leon is surprised, pleased, and nervous. Leon figures this could be his chance to level up his life, or at least his coolness.

 

But a day of gaming is not just hanging out at Nico's house. Instead, Nico takes Leon to Pix Grid where they meet up with Gabs Lucas in the lab to play a next-level virtual-reality game which is so immersive the two boys suit up in full-body tracking outfits before being dropped into tanks filled with nanobots. Though Leon's thrilled with how strong and tall and skilled he is as an elf archer, Gabs tells him she's lost the connection with Nico who may have damaged his helmet when he plunged headfirst into the tank. And with the nanobots programmed to fill every available space, there's the danger of hurting Nico.  The only way to get them out safely is for Leon to complete the mission of saving the kidnapped Prince SpearMint from the dragon Lord Tachi. Oh, and before the timer runs out.

Leon Levels Up has all the excitement of a video game adventure in which Leon evades and fights a dragon, an old hag, and some ogres, while figuring out clues and strategy to rescue Prince SpearMint. As with many quests, the learning is in the doing, and Leon is plunged into this VR game with its life-or-death outcome with only his wits and character. He might have hoped that gaming with Nico would level up his game, but his cleverness and perseverance demonstrate he's already top drawer. 

Author Paul Coccia, whose other books include I Got You Babe, The Player, and On the Line with Eric Walters, often gives voice to young people who question who they are and whether they are good enough, and that's many tweens and teens. (It's also most adults.) Except for the narcissistic and the very confident, we compare ourselves to others and whether we pass muster. When faced with the good-looking and rich Nico Saito, Leon turns to look within and take stock. He ruminates about how he will be seen and judged, while judging himself. Only when he's in the "Dragon Hunt" game does he eventually set that aside, first appreciating his new persona and skills but ultimately recognizing that it was him, low-level Leon, who won the game. Paul Coccia takes us for a wild ride in Leon Levels Up, all at a lower reading level than typical for the middle grade reader, but never forgets to remind us that Leon never needed to advance to a higher level of self. For a twelve-year-old, he was already there.

The Imposter

Written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Clarion Books (An imprint of HarperCollins)

978-0-358697060

40 pp.

Ages 4-8

November  2023

 

In her newest picture book, author-illustrator Kelly Collier addresses the efforts we go to in order to belong, whether to a family or a peer group.  And it doesn't matter if you're human, dog, or skunk, belonging brings comfort, protection, and even resilience. It's no wonder that Skunk doesn't like being alone.

 

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Skunk sees all the love and attention dogs get at the park and he is envious of them and their relationships with their people and other dogs. When he sees a notice for a lost dog, he's flummoxed that a dog, Max, would run away from the very life for which Skunk yearns. Although he is chastised by a squirrel, a raccoon, and a cat for even wanting to be a dog, they agree to help him pretend to be the missing dog.

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

First they paint away his stripe, and dress him up with fake ears, a collar and more. Then they teach him how to act like Max. But just as he's on the threshold of presenting himself to Max's family, his conscience takes over and he thinks about Max being lost. Not only does he blow his chance for a family in a very skunky way, but he also decides that he must find Max and return him to his people. Together the quartet of new friends find a happy ending for Max and Skunk and his new friends.

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Why do we always think that being something else or attaining something will make us happier? Why do we believe the grass is always greener on the other side? Skunk truly believes that dogs have better lives, being loved and cared for. It's no surprise he wishes for that same comfort and affection. But Skunk has a conscience that prevents him from usurping Max's role. He has empathy and compassion. He realizes what he is doing is wrong and, instead of taking advantage of Max's disappearance, Skunk tries to make things right by finding the missing pooch. As such, Kelly Collier has given us a skunk with heart.

 

From The Imposter, written and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Even though Skunk was looking for a better life, not unlike the lead character in Kelly Collier's first book, A Horse Named Steve, Skunk lacks Steve's hubris. Skunk can see beyond himself and thus recognize the need to give rather than just take. He could've stepped into Max's comfortable doggie boots–though we know it would never have worked–but instead gave up his chance in a big and smelly way when he realizes he wasn't being honest or true to himself. And though it looks like he's given up on his dream, Kelly Collier makes us feel for Skunk through her illustrations. She makes us see him sagging in posture and spirit until he finds a purpose and friends with whom he can work for that purpose. She's gives us the greens of hope and the softness of line and colour in her artwork as she takes Skunk on his journey from desperation to contentment.

Self-acceptance is a tough concept for young people when they see others living what may appear to be better lives. Skunk just needed to be accepted by others to see his own self-worth, though his new friends already knew that he was a creature who mattered. He is no imposter and never was. He was always the real thing.

Smile So Big

Written by Sunshine Quem Tenasco

Illustrated by Chief Lady Bird

North Winds Press (Scholastic Canada)

978-1-4431-8767-1

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

March 2023

Most of us, adult and child alike, will see something less than perfect in our appearance: too wide, too short, too white, too dark, nose or teeth too big, eyes too widely-spaced. There’s always seems to something that we see that others may or may not. How to see the truth?

From Smile So Big by Sunshine Quem Tenasco, illus. by Chief Lady Bird

Challa has a big, toothy smile and when she gets teased about it, her mom reassures her and shows Challa a beautiful mirror with a thunderbird design and fringe. Her mother tells her that this family heirloom would show the holder's true self, but the rule was that they "had to say what they saw in the reflection." Challa looks into the mirror and sees all her attributes and says, "I'm smiling so big. I sure do look cute." With that, the beads around the mirror light up. Challa is delighted.

From Smile So Big by Sunshine Quem Tenasco, illus. by Chief Lady Bird

When she shows her friend Neebin, who was always being teased about his long hair, Challa notices how he smiles and looks so cute when looking in the mirror. When he acknowledges aloud that he loves his long braid hair, not only do the beads light up, but the whole playground shakes and sparkles with magic! The same happens when her cousin Keggy recognizes how much she loves her dark skin and the house shakes and sparkles as it's enveloped in the magic of the thunderbird. When her friend Kiniw sees his own beauty and accepts his small size, the magic is revealed again.

From Smile So Big by Sunshine Quem Tenasco, illus. by Chief Lady Bird

Challa is perplexed why she only saw the beads light up, not the magic that came with it. She tries again to acknowledge her eyes, her nose, her hair, and her dimple but the magic doesn't appear until she feels and expresses real love for her smile.

Sunshine Quem Tenasco, Anishinaabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, brings young readers to an Indigenous community and yet the story she tells will be understood by all of us who may be teased, or worse, about some aspect of our physical nature. With a little help from a magic mirror and the support of those who love us and came before us, we can all see, accept, and appreciate who we really are. Whether there's a magical mirror in your life or not, there are those who help you see the beauty within and those people, whether in our lives now or gone already, are our greatest champions. It's not because of validating who we are; it's because they reflect who we are through their love. Sunshine Quem Tenasco's dedication includes the following words: "To all the Indigenous kids on Turtle Island and to all the boys with braids, you are so loved. You are important. You are powerful." Her words lift those to whom she has dedicated her book but also to every child who has the good fortune to read this picture book.

Chief Lady Bird, a Chippewa and Potawatomi artist who collaborated with Sunshine Quem Tenasco on Nibi's Water Song (2019), gives us both the realism and the magic in her illustrations. The boldness of her colour and shapes impress with their power of message about beauty and self, encouragement, and heritage. Chief Lady Bird gives life and context to Sunshine Quem Tenasco's words, and together Smile So Big is as enchanting as it is grounded.

For every smile hidden because of unease, and for every cruel teasing endured, Smile So Big gives young readers the courage to see their beauty as reflected in their own mirrors, magical or not, as held by themselves and those who love them.

My Mad Hair Day

Written and illustrated by Nathalie Dion

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-511-3

44 pp.

Ages 3-6

September 2021

 

While many admire voluminous hair, Malie thinks her tangled mess of golden locks are a curse, especially when she tries to tame it. But, somehow, through a series of unfortunate events, Malie finds a way to appreciate the hair she has.

 

From My Mad Hair Day by Nathalie Dion

Combing it or hiding it under her cap just doesn't work for Malie. However, as much as she'd like to hide away in her closet, her mother has other ideas, sending the child out on some errands.

From My Mad Hair Day by Nathalie Dion

Contending with the wind that carries her billowing hair away and the rain that frizzes it out, Malie trudges through the town on her errands. Along the way, her hair gathers a menagerie of items as it bumps into them or as they fall into or choose to enter it. There are cupcakes, birds, a lamb, a grand piano and even a child on a tricycle.

From My Mad Hair Day by Nathalie Dion

Overwhelmed by the burden of her tresses, Malie takes a much-needed time out in a park and awakens to a new appreciation of her hair, courtesy of the cache within.

 

From My Mad Hair Day by Nathalie Dion

Of course My Mad Hair Day is a little silly but it's based in a whole lot of reality for those with wildly curly hair, especially if it's also long. I see from her head shots online that author-illustrator Nathalie Dion too has lovely blonde curls and I suspect that she wrote this, her first picture book as author and illustrator, from personal experience. Like a tall tale, Nathalie Dion starts with a germ of reality, that of dealing with unmanageable hair, and blows it up to epic proportions, from the child just trying to comb her hair to absorbing the shock of a falling piano and a lamb confusing the curls for its mother. Then with her watercolour and digital art, Nathalie Dion bolsters that wackiness with extraordinary hair that monopolizes the scenes as it does Malie's life. (That one illustration, seen above, of Malie's mane extending the length of three houses is very telling.) I'll bet this is exactly what children with long curly hair appreciate each morning as they struggle to tame their locks, undoubtedly often throwing their hands up in defeat. 

But Nathalie Dion does not leave Malie defeated. She doesn't let her wallow in her copious hair and frazzle her into gloom. Instead, a "time-out" helps the child gain a fresh perspective on the marvel that is her hair and reach a new level of self-acceptance, something most of us need to learn for ourselves.

• • • • • • •

A French language edition, titled L'ébouriffée, has also been released this month from Dominique et compagnie.

A Kid is a Kid is a Kid

Written by Sara O'Leary

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-250-1

32 pp.

Ages 3-6

August 2021

 

Every child may be different but every child is also the same, especially when they're asked insensitive or withering questions about their differences. They just want to be, to feel safe and cared for and to enjoy life. When they are questioned about their family or their gender, their preferences or abilities, or have their "imperfections" pointed out, they do not feel good. Then they are all the same, as are we all.

From A Kid is a Kid is a Kid by Sara O'Leary, illus. by Qin Leng

From the onset, A Kid is a Kid is a Kid reminds us that being a kid is not easy. Starting with a child who's taunted with a question about whether they're a boy or a girl, multiple kids step up to assert what tactless questions have been asked of them. From why one child always has her nose in a book, or why another is small, to where they come from, why they wear the same shirt, or why they don't have any friends. (One boy steps up to negate that question by declaring himself their friend.) There's a child with a prosthetic leg and one with a baby sister in an incubator and twins who always get asked about being twins. (Tiresome, I'm sure.)

From A Kid is a Kid is a Kid by Sara O'Leary, illus. by Qin Leng

But rather than focusing on the differences that the inquisitors see, kids want to be asked about their strengths, what they love and that of which they're proud. And there's one important question that every child likes to be asked.

From A Kid is a Kid is a Kid by Sara O'Leary, illus. by Qin Leng

As Sara O'Leary and Qin Leng reminded us in their earlier book, A Family is a Family is a Family (Groundwood, 2016), there is no one way to be a family, and the same goes for being a kid. Kids come in different shapes, sizes, colours and abilities. Their essences and their histories make them unique. But getting to know kids is not focusing on their vulnerabilities. That's teasing and bullying and says more about the one asking the question than the one answering. Sara O'Leary understands that all people, kids and adults, may say or ask something rude but her emphasis in A Kid is a Kid is a Kid is that the diversity of individual kids is what makes a school, a playground, or a community great. Qin Leng's illustrations of ink and watercolour with pastel give us that diversity while reminding us that children are young and small and must be overwhelmed by being so in a big world. But, what's important is being yourself among others and not being ashamed of what you are. By first focusing on those differences before culminating their story with a universally welcome activity for kids, Sara O'Leary and Qin Leng bring young readers into their story and remind them that being a kid can mean different things and they're all just fine.