Happy to Be Nappy

by bell hooks, Chris Raschka (Illustrator)

The groundbreaking picture book by legendary author bell hooks and multi-Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka that celebrates hair, perfect for fans of Hair Love and I Love My Hair!
Happy with hair all short and strong. Happy with locks that twist and curl.
Just all girl happy! Happy to be nappy hair!

Nominated for an NAACP Image Award, here is a buoyantly fun read aloud brimming with playful -- and powerful -- affirmations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural, African American, Social Justice, Fiction, Kids

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

bell hooks (deliberately in lower-case; born Gloria Jean Watkins) was an African-American author, feminist, and social activist. Her writing focused on the interconnectivity of race, class, and gender and their ability to produce and perpetuate systems of oppression and domination. She published over thirty books and numerous scholarly and mainstream articles, appeared in several documentary films and participated in various public lectures. Primarily through a postmodern female perspective, she addressed race, class, and gender in education, art, history, sexuality, mass media and feminism.

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a kids' book...a happy nappy kids book...that expresses joy for black hair. This is the way I think about black hair. bell hooks wrote the words here and she was unambiguous: This can be a joy. Happy to be nappy.

The paintings within are really great: blobs of color and streaks of hair that represent styles. "These short tight naps, or plaited strands all...let girls go running free. Happy with hair all short and strong...Happy with locks that twist and curl...Just all girl happy!"

Yup. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gets it.

But what do I know?

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more Picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...

A group of little girls with natural hair textures learn about the many things they can do with the hair they were born with.

My nephew just had to read this book with the little African-American girl on the cover! I actually quite love the art in this book. Since he also has long hair like the girls I think he really related to the book despite the girls wearing dresses. He loved the rhyming text and the bright poppy colors. He chose the color blocked spread to draw with the single girl with the long rope of hair.

To me the draw were the illustrations. They were quite compelling and empowering even for me and I don't have textured hair! I loved seeing the moms with their daughters showing them all the possibilities! My nephew enjoys his time with his mom as she also helps him learn to take care of his natural hair. I think that is the best thing about the book - showing the relationship of parent to child and how parents are there to help us learn to love and accept ourselves.

I do wish there had been a little more story to go along with the text and illustrations. This isn't a book you can read over and over - it is more for a girl to pour over and be uplifted.

BOTTOM LINE: Happy to have read it!

______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...

[Ashlee Gibson]

I LOVE MY HAIR!!! This book encourages African American girls to be comfortable and love the natural state of their hair. It took me along time to embrace my natural hair so I can only imagine how children feel may feel about rocking their natural locks.

[Phylicia Bohannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about little girls with natural hair textures learning to like their hair that they are born with and the many things they can do with their hair. There aren’t really any main characters in the story; the story just focuses on an audience of young African American girls. This book is a non-fiction book. Happy to Be Nappy surrounds empowering girls to know that they should be proud of their hair.
I personally would not use this text in the classroom because I don’t think it is appropriate for an educational environment. The book is more so of a personal reflection aid for young girls, not really a learning tool for use in a classroom. But I do think those young girls that read this book will find it rather intriguing and helpful if they are having that conflict often arising with girls and their hair.
Bell Hooks is definitely a well-known advocate for the empowerment of young African American girls, so having her write this book is nothing short of expected. She does a wonderful job of providing the reader with an idea behind how hair can sometimes be viewed as a tool of beautification. This book relates to my topic because I originally wanted to write a book along the same lines, however after reading this view, I think I want to go in the other direction and create a children’s book that is actually multicultural text material.

[Sownbrooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

bell hooks, Happy to Be Nappy aims to teach little brown girls to love the natural state of their hair with its use of beautiful descriptive language. Large, clear lettering coupled with Chris Raschka’s simple illustrations of girls with varied hairstyles fill the pages. The simple styles of the drawings are perfect to feature the beauty of the swirling coiled hair that's the focus of the story. Each halo of hair is highlighted by a wash of watercolor transforming each one into a framed picture. The lyrical words, poetic in tone, bounce along the pages much like the girls they describe concluding that they are “Just all girl happy! Happy to be nappy hair!”

Stories that uplift and boost self-confidence and celebrate natural beauty are needed. For some children, hearing this book read aloud may be their first experience with hearing their hair spoken about positively. The use of the word nappy is controversial, though. For some, its negative history and connotations make it unsuitable for a children’s story. Then there are those, like hooks an acclaimed African-American poet, feminist and activist, who feels there is power in taking back words with a troubled past.

[CH - Marvin Childress · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author: Bell Hooks; Illustrator: Chris Raschka; Age: 4-8 (as a read aloud, or reading alone.) Happy to Be Nappy is a matter-of-fact book which simply describes different styles of African-American hair...primarily for girls. It takes something that is perceived as negative in the black community (nappy hair,) and it validates it.

I would recommend reading this to children and having a discussion about the negative meaning behind "nappy hair." The black community has suffered from this for years, and saying, "nappy hair," is such a slap in the face that it can eat away at, particularly girls, ones self-image/esteem. I think it would be hard for other ethnic groups, as teachers, to introduce this book; some/most families would probably take offense, but it is definitely a topic that should be addressed.

[Tiah Keever · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great kid's book, and I gave it to my little sister when she had a lovely fro, so she would know, even though none of us had afros that it was totally fine to have different hair, to be happy within herself. Granted very young children already know this, but I figure its good to have a solid foundation. So, I'm hoping that as she ages-she's already 12, she'll keep that in mind. Its just a fun book anyhow, and I love Chris Raschka's illustrations.

[Tia Roundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is considered controversial because of the vocabulary used to describe the girl's hair in the book. The message the book sends is actually very positive, and I think it is important to promote positive body images even starting from a very young age. I have extremely curly hair, and I went through wanting to constantly straighten and hide my curls. I love the message that this book sends, even if the vocabulary used is semi-negative.

[Jamia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. When I bought a copy I heard bellhooks speak and it was one of the most empowering experiences I have ever had. I have an autographed copy I hope to give my happy to be nappy children someday. Empowering and beautiful book. Simple. and beautiful.

[Luiza Nascimento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mais uma leiturinha da Luiza! Bem curtinha, ela começou interessada, mas dormiu na metade HAHAHAHAHA eu conclui a história, mas já deu pra perceber que ela entende que a nossa rotina vai ficar mais calma pós leitura, já que troquei o horário para o período noturno.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a toddler book with thick hard coated pages. The story flows like a rap song. The illustrations are colorful, vivid and full of action. Checked this out from the library to make sure my kids know the spirit of bell hooks.

[Shiloh Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book at least 2 times a day.

[Albine Eien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un superbe album pour apprendre à aimer ses cheveux crépus !
I LOVE IT !

[Elizabeth Rittenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Main categories of picking a diverse book:
1) Diversity and Range of Representation
a. There are many differences within a culture, race, age, gender,
2) Avoidance of Stereotyping
a. Microagression-
3) Language Considerations
a. Portrayal of culture authentically
b. Research language patterns, videos, authentic relationships with people in that culture, if unsure don’t read it!
4) The perspective of the Book

Things to think about on “what do we look for in a multicultural book”
5) accurate
6) see their traditions
7) modern books: life now
8) don’t put down other cultures

No one is free from his or her own particular bias or background. However, it is essential to provide books about many cultures for all children and to choose variety not merely reflect the population served by the particular school.

When critiquing literature, the cultural layers we must add are diversity and range of representation. This layer focuses on age of the students, gender, and disability. The next layer is avoidance of stereotyping. The book must stay away from stereotyping cultures. Sometimes the stereotype is not always in the text, but in the pictures. When critiquing literature, you must make sure you stay away from all areas of stereotyping. We must also consider the language in the book and the perspective of the book.

[Rochetta G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about nappy or course hair. This book is appropriate for children 3 and older. It is an inspirational book that invites children to embrace their differences. It has a rhythmic flow of which I even sung the book to my daughter. (She didn���t like that much.) The author uses juicy descriptive words such as soft, cotton, and smooth. All of these words, I feel, contrast the words people normally use to describe nappy hair. So that was enlightening. I like the illustrator uses bold warm colors. They used different shades of browns through the book. I also like the use of thin brown line throughout the book to outline the bodies of the children. The children’s faces are completed shaped in and it almost looks like a water color painting. I love the usage of oblong and abstract shapes to define each child’s hair texture. The shaping of the faces and abstract hair shapes draws the reader’s attention to the main focus of the book - the hair. I give this book 5 stars because I feel it takes a difficult subject and makes it natural and fun for children. It allows them to embrace their differences and promote high self-esteem. It’s a must read for young girls!

[Rekesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I wish I had this book when I was a little girl. I probably would have loved my natural hair more. I feel into the trap that girls should have long straight hair to be considered cute. However if a girl had short and "nappy" hair she wasn't as cute. I'm still trying to figure out who set the standards for hair. I believe hair is an accessory. You can change it whenever you like or keep it just the way it is. I love that the books illustrations are amazing. From words to the colors and drawings. The different hairstyles show how versatile "nappy" hair is. The drawings illustrates the wide range of colors a black girl can have. My favorite page in the whole book is when all the little girls are sitting down and their moms are doing their hair. This is literally how my childhood was spent on Sunday nights for school Monday morning. Although the the text of this book is written in cursive, I would still want every little girl to still look at the pictures until someone can read it for them and or be able to read it themselves. This book will show young black girls that having natural hair is beautiful and that there is nothing wrong with having "nappy" hair.

[Unique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bell Hooks did an excellent job connecting lots of feel good adjectives and senses to young girls of color, with their different textures of hair. This is a great read for diversity of young children. This book stages how girls are happy and proud to wear their in hair many unique styles. I would love to hear young girls and boys retell their experiences of their hair process. I was blessed to birth three boys. I have pictures with each of them crying with their first hair cut. As a young girl I inherited a thick grade of long curly hair, and hated to get it done. And always heard people say, how could I be tender-headed with this beautiful long hair. I can retell stories of how I would cry and my mom would too, while she combed my hair. Thereafter ten years, Mom finally gave in and took me to a beautician for a perm process, so my hair would manageable. As a grown woman, I sometimes still literally cry going through this process...lol. This book should positively enhance young girls identity. They can freely wear different hairstyles and step out in the world with high confidence.

[Chanae Wills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to Be Nappy is a narrative about girlpie (I believe she is referring to black girls) hair. The author talks about the positive aspects of having nappy hair (ex. “Hair to comb, hair to brush, to twist and plait or just lie flat”). The author discusses why the different girls in the story are happy to be nappy. As a literacy teacher, I don’t think that I would use this book in the classroom. I think that it is a great book that is geared toward young black girls, but I think that it sends the message that all black girls have nappy hair, which isn’t true (“these short tight naps”, “happy with hair all short and strong”). The author is from the same culture as the girls in the story, and this adds more authenticity to the story. The author did a great job of writing the story in a way that young children, especially girls, from this background could relate to the text. Black hair is different and it isn't like any other hair type, so the text can teach young black girls to embrace their hair (ex. “Happy to be nappy hair.”).

[Johna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about little girls hair. This story shows little girls how to accept and embrace their hair texture. The words and the illustrations are very creative. As a teacher, I would read this story to my students as a whole group. I would read it at the beginning of the school year to help students warm up to the new environment and embrace their own identities. Of course all of my students will be different and I want my students to be able to embrace themselves. Young girls are fascinated with hair so story would be perfect. I would share with them that each of us are special in our own way. I want my students to accept their friends/classmates the way that they are. After I’ve read the story to the class, it will be out in the classroom library for the students to read themselves. I want all of my students to feel welcomed when entering my classroom. My goal is to make each of them feel like they belong there. Students may not be able to relate to this specific family type described in the story but it will give them an idea of how different each persons culture is.

[Taylor Durant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about the different ways African American girls can wear their hair. It gives all types of examples, and ideas for little girls. The illustrator really captures the attention of the readers with its unique, childlike illustrations. I could definitely use this book in my classroom as a teacher. African American students who have the type of hair that is described in the story can learn to appreciate their hair, and figure out ways they can style their hair. The students who are not African American can learn a lot about African American hair and the different types and textures. The author, Bell Hooks, is an African American woman. She most likely used personal experience to write this book. The illustrator, Chris Raschka, did an amazing job capturing childlike innocence in his one of a kind drawings.

[Brooke Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to Be Nappy is a cultural picture book by Bell Hooks with beautiful illustrations by Chris Raschka. It deals with the beauty of hair that just happens to be nappy. It sheds a beautiful light on the differences and elegance of having Nappy. These little girls are proud of the way they are and wouldn't change the way they are just to have straight and fine hair.
African American, as well as Caucasian students can relate to this picture book in big ways. This teaches them that it is perfectly normal to have nappy hair and that they should embrace the beauty of who they naturally are. Teachers should implement this book to discuss the differences and similarities between peers of different cultures. There is no "normal" there is just inner beauty and differences among every student in your classroom.

[SavannahMalone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because it brings back a bunch of awesome childhood memories for me. It does not have a solidified story line, but the book does bring its' young readers through a series of pictures that show all kinds of skin tones and hair textures. In an euro-centric society it is very important that families and people in general teach children,especially little girls, that minority groups may not fit generic beauty standards, but that they can still be beautiful. This book has not only a theme of being yourself, but finding beauty in yourself no matter what. Making sure our children know that is important and that is why I recommend this book to any parent who's looking to instill that in their children from a young age. Great read!

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a story about little girls’ hair. This story shows little girls how to accept their hair texture. The words and the illustrations are very creative, which definitely can engage my students. I would read this story to my students as a whole group. I feel like this book can be presented in the beginning of the school, where I can mention about their beautiful differences. I want to bring a message of a welcome environment, where all students can feel good about themselves, even about their physical appearance. My goal is to make each of them feel like they belong there, especially the girls who in my opinion are very concerned about their appearance.

[Potassium · Rating 5 out of 5]

bell hooks we meet again. I know we didn't get along very well last time but I'm older now and I thought I owed you another shot, especially seeing as it's African American History month. So let's start with Happy to be Nappy.

This is a nice picture book that encourages black girls to be happy with their hair the way it is. As y'all know, I am all about my natural hair so I am a fan of this book. It's pretty cute and I love the art. All the different hair styles are so neat! I especially love the drawings of the moms brushing their daughters' hair because that reminds me of me and my mom.

[Amanda Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a book I could read over and over, but it did provide of a great message of self-acceptance. The author shows readers the strong bond between a mother and daughter and that parents are here to help us learn and accept the things we can't change. This story focuses on African American girls and the different hair textures of little girls. The watercolor-like illustrations are wonderful.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to be Nappy is a feel-good book meant to boost the self-esteem of young girls with kinky hair making it the perfect add to my Black Girl Magic text set. Although the story and illustrations are somewhat overly simplistic I believe that it allows the children to view the hair and styles depicted how they like and use a bit of imagination and see themselves as the beautiful happy to be nappy ‘girlpies’ in the book.

[Ayana Mishelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book dares to go there. HAIR !!! it is a great book to read aloud and open discussion about diversity and looking yourself and others just the way they are. My grandaughter has natural hair she loved thid book !!! This book is about loving the skin you are in can be used for synthezizing with other books about children loving themselves.

[Cat Testino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that we covered in school with the children where I teach. It's a very multicultural district and we celebrate everyone's ethnicities & there qualities. Whenever a child sinks negatively about themselves we always go back to the books that remind them what makes them different and that that's good because if we were all the same the world would be boring.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, simple book that celebrates the happy styles of nappy hair a small girl can have. The one thing that bothered me about this book was the font. They used a free flowing cursive for the words and I kept reading "Hair" as "Flair" just because of the style.

Good for toddler or preschool storytimes.

[Tessa Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story highlights the different kinds of natural hair types and the beauty behind them all. The different girls and their hair types are all shown as beautiful and joyous. This is an amazing book to talk about hair confidence and allowing young African American girls to feel represented within literature. A must buy!