MIRANDA'S GREEN HAIR

A group of animals helps a girl complete her least favorite task in this illustrated children’s book.

Miranda, a light-brown–skinned girl with green hair, is unhappy when her mother wants to wash and style her tresses before visiting Grandma. The girl runs into the woods to escape the dreaded chore. When she gets hungry, a tree offers her an apple and informs its cohorts of the girl’s presence to keep her safe. Miranda is upset when her hair snags on a bush. She asserts: “That’s what it feels like when Mom combs my hair. She pulls and she tugs, and it hurts everywhere.” Although the trees and the wild animals try to persuade Miranda to go home, she refuses. So, they team up to wash, brush, and gently style her hair. Each animal pitches in to help. For example, hummingbirds use “their small claws like a fine-tooth comb,” and a squirrel employs “her tail like a soft bristle brush.” The critters even use a honeysuckle vine to bind and braid the girl’s hair. Miranda is thrilled with the final look and tells her new pals: “Usually I hate this, you know that I do. But this wasn’t so bad! And it’s all thanks to you.” Miranda’s mom is relieved when her gleeful daughter returns home safe, and she is surprised by her new hairstyle. Miranda encourages readers to advocate for themselves: “If you’re the owner of frizzy green hair, please tell your mom to handle with care. It doesn’t take much to be ever so brave, when someone knows how to make green hair behave.” In Whyatt’s engaging tale, Miranda is a relatable protagonist. Her predicament will be significant to many young readers, especially those who also struggle with hair-care tasks. The overarching message here, emphasizing kindness, understanding, and collaboration during difficult times, is laudable. Wolfe and Valenti’s hand-drawn, digitally painted images offer cheerful scenery. Readers will particularly appreciate the enchanting forest sights and Miranda’s sweet-looking animal friends. The illustrations showing Miranda throughout the hair washing and styling process are clever, including when the hummingbirds create braids with their beaks.

A thoughtful and important tale of teamwork, self-advocacy, and compassionate friends.