The Haircut

Written by Theo Heras

Illustrated by Renné Benoit

Pajama Press

978-1-77279-095-6

24 pp.

Ages 1-3

May 2020

There's probably a lot of trepidation with respect to haircuts right now as many barbershops and salons are closed and people are taking on the task themselves. Fortunately, most of of have a history of haircuts and know what to expect, even if we ourselves don't know what to do. But imagine a toddler who has never had a haircut. That first haircut can generate much confusion and even distress for the unknown but Theo Heras and Renné Benoit's newest picture book, The Haircut, will comfort any child and probably a parent or two, as a young boy is taken to the barbershop for the first time.

From The Haircut by Theo Heras, illus. by Renné Benoit

This little boy may not know he needs a haircut but he does notice how it falls in his face when he plays. Even as he tries to keep it out of his eyes, it again falls. No wonder it's decided that it's time for a haircut.

From The Haircut by Theo Heras, illus. by Renné Benoit

From The Haircut by Theo Heras, illus. by Renné Benoit

Off goes child and father hand in hand to the barbershop marked with its red, white and blue pole. Of course the boy wonders if it will hurt. There are after all dangerous scissors involved. But, with an animal print cape, a chair that goes up high and his dad holding his little hand, the child is reassured, especially when he gets a lollipop and no longer has long hair getting in his eyes.

From The Haircut by Theo Heras, illus. by Renné Benoit

What a wonderful book to read with toddlers (and then get them reading for themselves) who will be experiencing their first haircut. It speaks to them, not their parents who think their hair is too long or wants it styled or thinks it's time. It's time because the little boy's hair keeps falling in his eyes and gets in the way of his play. He knows it's not convenient so they know it too.

Theo Heras, along with illustrator Renné Benoit, has taken children through a number of common childhood experiences (e.g., Hat On, Hat Off; Baby Cakes; and Where's Bunny?) in these uniquely presented books. The padded cover with rounded edges and extra-heavy pages are far nicer than board books usually aimed at the youngest of readers and are a treat to handle and to read to young children. The Haircut is similarly comforting and informing. That book cover portrait that focuses on the child and his glorious tresses and doubtful face invites the reader in, and Renné Benoit's watercolour and digital illustrations are similarly engaging, both uncluttered and complete. Like Theo Heras's words, Renné Benoit has illustrated The Haircut for the young child, though everyone can appreciate the book.

Whether a parent wants to help a child to prepare for that first haircut or to reminisce about that first experience, The Haircut is there for an snuggly read.

Hat On, Hat Off

by Theo Heras

Illustrated by Renné Benoit

Pajama Press

978-1-927485-34-7

24 pp.

Ages 1-3

September 2016

If you're Canadian with young children, you know about that compulsory basket of hats (and mittens and scarves) by the front door from which appropriate outdoor apparel can be plucked before heading out. As this little boy is getting ready and gotten ready to go with a help of a older but still young sister, a menagerie of hats go on and off with every step of the process. Thankfully, judging by the illustrations by Renné Benoit, it's not even the depths of winter so hats are the only on-off selection for this child!

From Hat On, Hat Off 

by Theo Heras, illus. by Renné Benoit

A red bear hat goes on, a sweater gets hidden.  The red bear hat goes off as sister does up his sneakers.  Jacket goes on with a new fleece blue-striped hat with frilly red pom pom which gets traded for a penguin hat after a detour for a sippy cap and pail and shovel. But wait! Time for a potty break (and, of course, you must remove your hat when you go to the toilet, right?) and a new green hat with eyes.  Then the absentee Bunny, with his own hat, must be located, and our little one is back in his red bear hat.  That is, until he isn't.

An autumn day with colourful leaves dotting the ground and ripe for picking is a perfect day for sporting a great hat, even one that is probably mandated by a mum or dad. Theo Heras’ text is not complex but that makes it easy to follow for those for whom Hat On, Hat Off is written, and the book is appropriately packaged for them: small size with padded hardcover, thick paper and rounded corners.  Young children will enjoy anticipating the next hat on and off and spot the common tactics toddlers use to prolong that getting-ready-to-go-outside activity.  But I know they’ll especially be hooked by Renné Benoit’s endearing illustrations of the children and their accounterments, particularly the assortment of head gear.  With knitted caps of varying colours and textures (very important in a hat) and design elements, Hat On, Hat Off a joyful experience of style and taste and childish amusement.

From Hat On, Hat Off

by Theo Heras, illus. by Renné Benoit 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

If you're in the Toronto area this Sunday, get a signed copy of Hat On, Hat Off at the book launch with author Theo Heras and illustrator Renné Benoit at Another Story Bookshop on Roncesvalles Avenue at Grenadier.  Details are here.