Books
Every Little Thing
Adapted by Cedella Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Available at the Vancouver Public Library
This children’s picture book was adapted by Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob Marley, from his song ‘Three Little Birds.’ The book uses the chorus of the song which is easily incorporated in the reading of the book. The main character is a little boy who starts everyday with a fresh and positive attitude that he shares with friends and uses to make those around him feel more included. The black family depicted show different black hairstyles and the other diverse characters present a multi-ethnic friend group.
Marley, Cedella. Every Little Thing. Chronicle Books, 2012.
One Love
Adapted by Cedella Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Available at the Vancouver Public Library
This beautifully illustrated children’s picture book is a wonderful example of positive messaging and subtlety presenting various styles of black hair. Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob Marley, has adapted the words of his famous song ‘One Love/People Get Ready’ into a message of community and family. The family members in this book have different hair styles and the characters show the diversity among the community. While this book is not explicitly about black hair, it is important in that it normalizes the various black hairstyles of the family.
Marley, Cedella. One Love. Chronicle Books, 2011.
My Hair is a Garden
by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Available at the Vancouver Public Library
After being teased about her hair, MacKenzie visits her neighbour, Miss Tillie, who shows her the beauty of her natural hair and gives her instructions on looking after her hair. MacKenzie learns, that like a garden, her hair needs patience and to be tended. This book includes information and recipes for natural black hair care.
Cabrera, Cozbi A. My Hair is a Garden. Albert Whitman & Company, 2017.
I Love My Hair!
by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Available at the Vancouver Public Library
This children’s picture book tells the story of a young girl who struggles to embrace her natural hair. As her mother helps style her hair, the young girl learns of all the different and beautiful styles she can wear her hair. She learns to embrace her hair and to show her personality through her styling choices. The book has a wonderful message about self-love and would be recommended to parents (biological or adoptive) of children with natural textured hair.
Tarpley, Natasha Anastasia. I Love My Hair! Little, Brown And Company, 2001.
Hair Matters: Beauty, Power, and Black Women’s Consciousness
By Ingrid Banks
Available at Langara College Library
This book explores the meaning of hair to black women in relation to femininity. It includes interviews with black women of different ages and backgrounds on how their hair has impacted their personal, work, and social life. These interviews include transcripts from specialized discussion groups, which provide the reader with a candid insight into real women’s concerns and issues.
Banks, Ingrid. Hair Matters: Beauty, Power, and Black Women’s Consciousness. New York University Press, 2000.