Mary's Hair

by Eoin Colfer

Imelda's mam dropped a vase when she saw Mary Leary. That might be due to Mary's new haircut, one she did herself, that makes her look like a supermodel. Or she thinks so.

And yet... Mary's mam doesn't seem happy about it...

A Little Gem from Barrington Stoke written by the Children's Laureate for Ireland.

Genres: Childrens

79 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father and mother, who were both educators.

He received his degree from Dublin University and began teaching primary school in Wexford. He has lived and worked all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. After the publication of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin retired from teaching and now writes full time. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Laura87 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Mary Leary wants is to have the best hair so everybody comments on it and wishes they were like her.

‘Mary’s Hair’ (written by Eoin Colfer) is about a little girl who hates her curly, multi-coloured hair. So one day, Mary decides to take it upon herself to cut it. Much to her mother’s disgust, Mary uses the kitchen scissors and cuts her hair until there is hardly any left on her head. Happy that her friends initially like the new style, Mary then decides it’s time to test out using hair dye. However, since learning her lesson, she decides to rope one of her classmates into letting her test it out on him first.

What I liked most about this book is that the character of Mary realised in the end that ‘Noely’ was a true friend and didn’t care what Mary looked like just that they had become friends. This shows that it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

This book is fuelled with morals for younger children. ‘Mary’s Hair’ shows children that even if you are not happy with how you look, don’t try to change just to fit in. Also, nobody’s perfect and to learn from your mistakes. Everybody’s different and unique and that’s a good thing.

‘Mary’s Hair’ is a good book to use for PHSE lessons for ages 5-11 that deal with self-image and peer pressure. Furthermore, it uses various metaphors and similes so would be good for Literacy lessons where older children (ages 9-11) can identify the techniques in the book and come up with some of their own to describe themselves. Lastly, it may be a good book to use during story time with Key Stage 1 children to give them an insight into self –image and to maybe create a portrait of themselves with speech bubbles showing their thoughts.

[RayleneD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another 'Little Gem' from Barrington Stoke for those children just 'Taking Flight' and transitioning into early chapters. Presented in their own dyslexia-friendly style, Colfer's story is a humorous tale in which Mary decides to take matters into her own hands (as many children do) and cut her own hair. impressed with her own hairdressing skills, she heads out into her neighbourhood and practise on others too. My 5 year old boy loved this story and found it very funny.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss 6 enjoyed this book.

Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Hannah Oud-Biemold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarisch boekje over meisje dat haar haar afknipt, wanneer haar moeder het druk heeft met haar kleine broertje. Maar dat gaat niet goed natuurlijk. Vervolgens besluit ze haar haar te verven, en dit te testen op de hond van een buurjongetje.

[Ape · Rating 4 out of 5]

My God this was so funny. We got it out of the library to read at bedtime and there was plenty of laughter. Mary doesn't give up in her quest to get hair she actually likes. Something to resonate for anyone who has a home hairdressing disaster in their past. He he, oh, and that poor dog!

[Adrian Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great similes lovely story. A very quick read great little challenge for young readers.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

6yo liked it

[Betül · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5. Saçlarınızı kesmek istememenize yol açabilir.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. on one hand it's very funny. on the other hand it's a little bit worrying; from a parent's point of view anyway. Entertaining story nevertheless.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary’s Hair by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Richard Watson – this is part of the Little Gems book series from Barrington Stoke. I really loved it. I’ve read loads of books by Eoin Colfer before that appeal to so many readers and now to read this easily approachable early chapter book… couldn’t be happier. So Mary has that type of curly hair that is curly in some places and straight in others. Don’t most people tire of fights with their hair. Mary decides she’ll solve her hair problems by cutting it herself. I was amused by this since I remember the time when I hated my curly hair- never cut it myself but somehow when I was sick at home with a fever I had the idea it would be interesting to cut my eyebrows… right before a school picture day… Eoin Colfer integrates friendship issues and creativity easily into this book and I know kids will simply love reading it… *Pictures also are fantastic!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed out loud! Read again and again

[Shauna Ludlow Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel the main character's hair pain. Ha. She tries different things with her crazy curly hair (cutting, dyeing, bleaching) that make it worse. Maybe perming it will help?

[Hwee Goh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eoin Colfer writes about a girl who hates her hair?! Yes, my 6 year old girls Like!