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Stephanie's Ponytail
None of the kids in her class wear a ponytail, so Stephanie decides she must have one. The loud, unanimous comment from her classmates is: “Ugly, ugly, very ugly.” Steadfast, when all the girls have copied her ponytail, she resolves to try a new style. With true Munsch flair, each of Stephanie’s ponytails is more outrageous than the last, while the cast of copycats grows and grows.
24 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1996
71 people are currently reading
1834 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
290 books1,667 followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
June 27, 2020
Stephanie is a trend setter at her school. She shows up with a ponytail in the back and everyone tells her it's ugly and the next day they are all doing the same thing. So Stephanie then has it come out of the side with the same result. She doesn't like brainless copycats. She keeps moving her pony around until she blows a lid and tells everyone she is coming to school the next day with her head shaved.
Spoiler:
Everyone shows up with their head shaved the next day, but Stephanie. It's funny, all those bald heads, even the boys.
Nephew laughed and laughed at that. He has a shaggy moptop right now and he loves it. He doesn't want to cut it. He would never shave his head, but he does think this was funny. He wants to grow his hair out enough so he can have a pull it back out of his face, but not because of this book. He looks cool. He gave this 4 stars for the laugh.
Spoiler:
Everyone shows up with their head shaved the next day, but Stephanie. It's funny, all those bald heads, even the boys.
Nephew laughed and laughed at that. He has a shaggy moptop right now and he loves it. He doesn't want to cut it. He would never shave his head, but he does think this was funny. He wants to grow his hair out enough so he can have a pull it back out of his face, but not because of this book. He looks cool. He gave this 4 stars for the laugh.
June 27, 2020
A lesson about pulling ppl's ponytails and calling them ugly that will stick with you. This was a gift to my nephew, Scott, from my husband and I. It's one of his mom's nostalgic childhood authors.
I had this happen to me when I was little. Calling an idea or hairdo ugly then ..Copy cats. But Stephanie gets em’.
There is an adorable aspect to that, reading the ones that were read to you, to your child. So- of course I wanted to support that.
I had this happen to me when I was little. Calling an idea or hairdo ugly then ..Copy cats. But Stephanie gets em’.
There is an adorable aspect to that, reading the ones that were read to you, to your child. So- of course I wanted to support that.
April 12, 2018
Revised Review (for Reread):
Now, I have actually read “Stephanie’s Ponytail” many years ago when I was a child and I had actually reviewed this book the first time around. But, now I wanted to reread this book to see if my feelings about this book has changed. It turns out, I felt the exact same way I did years ago (in other words, it STILL was an AWESOME book to read), but I wanted to change up my review to be in tuned with my recent book reviews!
One day, Stephanie decided to have a ponytail since all the other kids were not wearing ponytails. When Stephanie came to school, all the other kids teased her ponytail by saying:
“UGLY, UGLY, VERY UGLY!”
And Stephanie replied:
“IT’S MY PONYTAIL AND I LIKE IT!”
The next day, Stephanie comes to school to see that the other kids had copied her hairstyle by also wearing ponytails and this makes Stephanie angry since she wanted to have a unique look for herself. So, the next day, Stephanie decided to wear her ponytail sideways since that was a style that she thought that the other kids would not possibly wear. Of course, the other kids teased her about her hairstyle once again and then the next day, the other kids started wearing their ponytails to the side just like Stephanie. Each day Stephanie changes her hairstyle to stand out from the other kids and each day, the other kids and even some of the teachers continue to copy Stephanie’s hairstyle!
Will the other students continue copying Stephanie’s hairstyle or will Stephanie evenutally get back at them?
Read this book to find out!
Wow! When I started rereading this book, I thought that my opinions on this book would have changed over the years (it has been nearly ten years since I last read this book after all). But, lo and behold, I was pleasantly surprised that my opinions have remained the same after all of these years (in other words, OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE)! Robert Munsch has created a unique way of tackling the subjects of peer pressure and individuality through this story as Stephanie is shown constantly trying to find a style that would make her unique, which is her ponytail and standing up for her individuality when her classmates teased her about her ponytail. This book also made me questioned about why exactly Stephanie’s classmates teased Stephanie about her ponytail each day and yet, they copy her ponytail style every time she tries to change her hairstyle. I am assuming it is because Stephanie’s classmates are jealous of Stephanie’s individuality and they copy her to take away her individuality. Michael Martchenko’s artwork is extremely humorous as he depicts each character in a cartoony style that is reminiscent of the Sunday Paper comic strips. Michael Martchenko’s artwork of Stephanie is truly the highlight of the story as Stephanie is portrayed as a cute little girl that constantly styles her ponytail in a different way in each image and I loved the fact that she is shown wearing a 90s style type of clothing as it shows the audience how people used to dress like during the 90s (which is the very decade that I grew up in)!
Parents should know that Stephanie is shown to be a bit rude at some points of the story (which was a problem I had when I read this book the first time). Now, do not get me wrong, I understand how frustrated Stephanie is because she wanted to have a style that makes her unique, but her classmates keep on copying her styles, therefore taking away her individuality. If I was Stephanie, I would be upset too since I also pride myself on being unique and I would be annoyed too if people copy my styles just to poke fun at me. However, I do think that it was a bit rude for Stephanie to call her classmates “a bunch of brainless copycats,” even though they were purposely copying her styles, while still making fun of her. I personally think that Stephanie could have handled the situation much better than resort to calling her classmates names.
Overall, “Stephanie’s Ponytail” is a truly hilarious story about embracing your individuality in the most creative way possible and I am sure that many children will enjoy this book for many years to come! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to the bullying themes possibly upsetting smaller children.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
January 23, 2020
Stephanie's classmates begin to copy her hairstyle in this amusing picture-book romp from Canadian author/illustrator team Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko. When she wears her ponytail at the back, so do they. When she wears it at the top, so do they. Eventually both boys and girls - as well as the teacher! - are copying Stephanie. But will they continue to do so, when she tells them she intends to shave her head...?
Munsch and Martchenko have collaborated on quite a few beloved Canadian picture-books, from Love You Forever to The Paper Bag Princess , and they are a winning team! Stephanie's Ponytail offers a humorous look at imitation and individuality, pairing a matter-of-factly madcap tale with immensely droll artwork. Recommended to fellow fans of this creative picture-book team, and to anyone looking for children's stories about conformity vs. individuality, trend-setting vs. imitation.
Munsch and Martchenko have collaborated on quite a few beloved Canadian picture-books, from Love You Forever to The Paper Bag Princess , and they are a winning team! Stephanie's Ponytail offers a humorous look at imitation and individuality, pairing a matter-of-factly madcap tale with immensely droll artwork. Recommended to fellow fans of this creative picture-book team, and to anyone looking for children's stories about conformity vs. individuality, trend-setting vs. imitation.
January 22, 2023
This is a book that provides a means for parents to discuss with their children “peer pressure” and “group think.” We are presented with a story about a girl (likely in middle school) who, each time she tries a new hairstyle, is first told that: nobody likes it and it looks dumb. Then, everyone seems to adopt it as their own….until the girl tries a new style. Each time the pattern is repeated.
The readers can see how ridiculous this gets, but the students (and some teachers) don’t seem to learn.
We have read it several times with our girls (ages 5 and 8) with mixed results. They get the general idea but the situations may have seemed too fanciful and they are likely too young for any prolonged discussion of peer pressure, etc.
When we do revisit the topic, I think that this book will be too juvenile to linger over.
November 19, 2017
Copycats. Copycats. Copycats.
Robert Munsch explores individualism and imitation in this tale for children and adults alike. When Stephanie decides to flip her ponytail at daily whims, she faces fellow students cringing and deeming her looks "ugly". Yet, each morning, she returns to find them imitating her previous hairstyle.
Flattery, or it's only cool when they wear her looks?
This story's rather deep with humor and an hilarious ending all ages can appreciate.
Robert Munsch explores individualism and imitation in this tale for children and adults alike. When Stephanie decides to flip her ponytail at daily whims, she faces fellow students cringing and deeming her looks "ugly". Yet, each morning, she returns to find them imitating her previous hairstyle.
Flattery, or it's only cool when they wear her looks?
This story's rather deep with humor and an hilarious ending all ages can appreciate.
September 12, 2018
This book is labelled "Classic Munsch", but as it came out in 1996, it's a little after my time. I hadn't read it before.
There's not much of a message, except maybe to be yourself or you might end up bald. Seriously, though, the story really was in the classic Robert Munsch style, with plenty of repetition, fun characters, and adorable illustrations by longtime collaborator Michael Martchenko.
It's not one of my favourite Munsch books, but it was entertaining enough.
There's not much of a message, except maybe to be yourself or you might end up bald. Seriously, though, the story really was in the classic Robert Munsch style, with plenty of repetition, fun characters, and adorable illustrations by longtime collaborator Michael Martchenko.
It's not one of my favourite Munsch books, but it was entertaining enough.
September 3, 2021
This is a fun little story about a self-possessed girl who gets revenge on all the haters.
Even my 8th graders, who are too cool for just about everything, admitted to loving this one.
High praise, indeed.
Even my 8th graders, who are too cool for just about everything, admitted to loving this one.
High praise, indeed.
November 14, 2008
This book shows the perils of being a copycat, and interestingly shows how adults as well as children can be copycats and conformists. There are a couple of funny parts in this book. Stephanie proves to be very clever, but I did find her insistence of being unique as ripe for discussion as her classmates and teacher who wanted to copy her hairstyle.
Read
September 30, 20255 minute read. Very cute. A good message for kids.
March 28, 2023
A great lesson about the perils of peer pressure. Could have been blech in heavy-handedness, but since the humor is based on exaggeration, it's ridiculously funny. Short and light, fine even for pre-school children imo.
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reread in The Munschworks Grand Treasury... notable now is to compare Stephanie to modern-day "influencers" who would envy her so much....
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reread in The Munschworks Grand Treasury... notable now is to compare Stephanie to modern-day "influencers" who would envy her so much....
October 31, 2008
This is my favorite story about copycats! I gave it to my niece Stephanie when she was little. I love Munsch's sense of humor!
October 16, 2014
Ha! This was a lot of fun. Stephanie's classmates and even her teacher really are a "bunch of brainless copycats." I loved the ending. Read this to anyone who is easily swayed by peer pressure!
May 23, 2017
Very clever, cute and funny!
May 28, 2022
What a stupid ass book. Since when do girl's trends influence straight men? Like what guy is like, "I just love your hair and I'm getting it done tomorrow"? And there's nothing ugly about a ponytail unless you have a deformed head or something. And what kid would hate it to your face one day and then copy you the next? And who the hell is this Stephanie girl that teachers, boys and girls, everyone tries to copy? Is she the most beautiful person in the world because it doesn't seem like that to me.
January 27, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Stephanie's Ponytail" for this little girl, the main character in this children's book, had a mind of her own and was not afraid to let it be known. She did not fear being different from everyone else around her, she wanted to be her own person. This story was great for teaching children to be their own person, I would highly recommend this story to parents for their children.
March 17, 2016
What can I say...It made me laugh!
September 10, 2017
listened 2 this on youtube it was cute
November 1, 2017
It opens a door to discuss how people can criticize but secretly want to be different too.
February 5, 2020
2019: I'm coming back to up my rating. My four-year-old keeps quoting from and mentioning this book; it obviously made an impression on him. I'm placing an order so we can have a copy of our own!
January 1, 2023
Содержательная мудрость в миниатюре. Иллюстрация того, как ребенок постигает коллективные модели поведения ("А если все станут вести себя так, как я, будет ли мне все еще интересно оставаться тем, кто я есть") и ищет свой собственный образ.
March 24, 2021
great literature. would highly recommend to all.
October 22, 2017
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Genre: Fiction
Age Group: K-2nd
The main character Stephanie is portrayed as a cute girl that just wants her wear her ponytail. Every time she goes to school everyone would call her ugly and she would respond by saying "it's my ponytail and I like it." The very next day everyone at the school would have the same hairstyle
including the teachers and boys. Every time everyone copies her she would get mad and go home to change her hairstyle. Again everyone would make fun of her and then copy her the very next day.
Stephanie’s Ponytail teaches about peer pressure and how people should stay true to themselves instead of mindlessly coping someone else. I did not like how she called everyone a bunch of brainless copycats when people did copy her. I understand she was trying to keep her individuality her own but I felt like there was a better way she could of handled it. I thought it was funny how she convinced everyone to shave their heads in the end so she can keep her pony tale without anyone copying her. I thought the book was kept diverse through it's pictures without portraying any stereotypes. The book is lighthearted and fun through its comic strip like pictures.
Genre: Fiction
Age Group: K-2nd
The main character Stephanie is portrayed as a cute girl that just wants her wear her ponytail. Every time she goes to school everyone would call her ugly and she would respond by saying "it's my ponytail and I like it." The very next day everyone at the school would have the same hairstyle
including the teachers and boys. Every time everyone copies her she would get mad and go home to change her hairstyle. Again everyone would make fun of her and then copy her the very next day.
Stephanie’s Ponytail teaches about peer pressure and how people should stay true to themselves instead of mindlessly coping someone else. I did not like how she called everyone a bunch of brainless copycats when people did copy her. I understand she was trying to keep her individuality her own but I felt like there was a better way she could of handled it. I thought it was funny how she convinced everyone to shave their heads in the end so she can keep her pony tale without anyone copying her. I thought the book was kept diverse through it's pictures without portraying any stereotypes. The book is lighthearted and fun through its comic strip like pictures.
April 7, 2012
As an contemporary realistic fiction book this appropriate for all ages but geared toward ages seven through thirteen years old, especially girls. From a strong woman’s voice, the issues of peer pressure is brought up. The main character, Stephanie, wants to standout with the most outrages hair styles. At first she is made fun of but them her style is soon copied by other students. This book is amazing funny. Students can really take a lot from it. The theme of this book is independence and peer pressure. Stephanie is a strong girl who refuses to do what others want of her. It is such a beautiful message. Because of how funny it is, young children will enjoy the lessons that are being taught. The story is very relative to young students. This book would be amazing for story time in a young classroom. Follow up activities could involve children making goals on how they plan to be independent and avoid peer pressure.
October 17, 2012
I LOOOOOOOVED this book! It sends the message that it is okay to be unique and yourself! Although it does send the message that it sucks to be copied, it also sends the message that sometimes the weird things are the things that people will want and you can be popular because of it. Another twist on this that I loved was that Stephanie didn't want to be popular, she did it because it made HER happy, which is the most important thing! The only part that I didn't like about this book was that the mom was always asking Stephanie if she was sure that was how she wanted her hair. I think that if Stephanie said that was how she wanted her hair her mom should have just supported her, no questions asked. I think all young girls ( and even boys!) should read this book because it gives the message that it is okay to be yourself! and everyone needs to know that!!
February 11, 2020
This is a fun and silly book that emphasizes individuality and being secure with your own choices, your own tastes. Our girls really enjoyed this book and laughed often at the absurdity of everyone copying Stephanie's hairstyle. The illustrations are colorful and cartoonish.
Our girls liked watching the story on the Tumblebooks website (http://tumblebooks.com), which is available for free as one of the online resources from our local library.
Robert N. Munsch is a talented storyteller and he's very entertaining when he narrates his own stories!
Our girls liked watching the story on the Tumblebooks website (http://tumblebooks.com), which is available for free as one of the online resources from our local library.
Robert N. Munsch is a talented storyteller and he's very entertaining when he narrates his own stories!
March 22, 2019
I used to read this book to my kids all the time when they were little. My 17-year-old and I were just remembering it fondly. My kids have always loved it because my name is Stephanie, but it is also such a funny book about dealing with copycats. You know those kind of people who do everything you do? Kids do it...immature grown ups still do it. 😂 I wanna scream, “Be your own self!” Must read! Tomorrow I’m going to shave my head because my daughter said she is going to!!!
April 24, 2010
Okay, this book is pretty darn cute! I love Stephanie's independence, and how her parents don't do much to discourage her from her wacky ponytails. The only thing, she makes her teacher and classmates look pretty stupid. Who knows, maybe they needed the lesson!
September 27, 2008
I love this author,he really has some really funny kids stories, it reminds me of the stories my Grandpa use to tell me as a child.
June 30, 2009
Thanks, Beth for lending your head of hair and doing this one with me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews