The Unexpectedly Bad Hair of Barcelona Smith

by Keith Graves

Barcelona Smith is too cautious to even smile for fear of getting a bug in his teeth, until the day his usually perfectly coiffed locks rebel and teach him to let his hair down.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2006

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never be too cool to have fun!

[JP Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book about accepting risk and trying new things.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this book explores the question of whether or not a person can be too cautious.

[Haela C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really funny book about not worrying and enjoying the simple things

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for that child that is afraid to try new things. While Barcelona's hair was always perfect, one day it wasn't. His hair takes control of him and takes him on a journey to experience all of the things he's been to afraid and unwilling to try. Soon, he realizes that there is nothing he can do to stop it so he may as well enjoy it. So, he does just that and realizes that while some things may seem a bit risky he may as well give it a shot.

[Erika Forth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this books! Both the writing and the illustrations were quite amusing. I really could relate to Barcelona and his "prudentness", as well as in finding that you can let go, and in being safe you sometimes miss out on a lot.

[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barcelona Smith is too cautious to even smile for fear of getting a bug in his teeth, until the day his usually perfectly coiffed locks rebel and teach him to let his hair down.


Subjects

Hair -- Juvenile fiction

Play -- Juvenile fiction

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barcelona never took risks for fear f something bad happening. This led to a very uneventful life for him. But one humid day his hair goes out of control and does very adventurous things, taking Barcelona along.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG words that were a blast to read aloud and excite my kids' growing vocabularies! BIG ideas about trying new things and how sometimes letting yourself take risks can be totally worth it! BIG bold colors and funny illustrations that kept everyone engaged and giggling. Winner Winner!!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Great story. Great illustrations. Hey, I wish I could stand on my hair!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun kid's book!

[Ham · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's what I'm talking about! Great illustrations. Clever prose.
And NO rhyming!
My favorite line:

Monkey bars were monkeyed upon.

[Sharper1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the worrying and anxiety lesson aspect of it. I suppose that comes from my point of view, but it was still great to see it in there. Kind of like Parts by Tedd Arnold.

[Sharon Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun but it ends really abruptly and felt a little unresolved. Looooved the idea and the pictures.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of favorites! Such a fun story!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book! Loved the illustrations!