Hair Twins

A brown-skinned girl relays the hair routines of her long-haired Sikh father and herself in this bouncy picture book by Mirchandani, inspired by her husband and daughter. Parts of the maintenance process are highlighted in accessible figurative language: "He brushes my hair like he does his own, splitting it down the middle, like a river separating two enchanted forests," one spread reads, as the child's hair is visualized as flowing watercolor waves. Other pages maintain the earnest, kid-friendly first-person perspective: " 'Hair cheers!' I tell him," one page reads; the daughter playfully knocks her joora against her bearded father's. Digitally collaged illustrations in a colorful cartoon style by Hatam spotlight a cast with a range of abilities, hair textures, religions, and skin tones. A sweet read that epitomizes a compassionate bond between parent and child. Back matter features an author's note and a photo of the book's inspiration. Ages 4-8. (May)

PreS-Gr 2—A small girl with long black hair provides a first-person narration about her Sikh father, who has a beard and wears a turban over his own long black hair. Papa tames her hair with coconut oil, twisting it into a Rapunzel-esque braid; they both love the pink hair band she chooses. He brushes his beard, too, and whether their hair is up or down, braided or free-flowing, they share a new adventure each day. Mirchandani creates a celebration of love between a Sikh father and his daughter who connect through the strands of their silky hair. In a note, she explains the pieces of the tale that are about her own husband and small daughter; a photograph shows the bond between them. The cheerful narrative is uplifting and illuminates the reverence of hair by the Sikh community, with traditions that this family merges with the American landscape. Vibrant digital illustrations are a true delight as colorful portrayals of the fun dance from page to page. Hatam represents the characters with glowing brown skin and lovable facial expressions while capturing the story's spirit with wholesome scenes. VERDICT A diverse picture book filled with love, laughter, individuality, and lots of hair; this is a necessary addition to all library collections.—Suraya Jairam, Queens P.L., Hollis, NY

*"A feel-good picture book about diversity, family relationships, and self-love."