Publishers Weekly
02/24/2020
“In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up,” begins this story about a intergenerational black family’s nighttime hair routines. The youngest, an expressive girl sporting two Afro puffs, introduces readers to her family as they begin readying for bed. Her brother “twists and tightens each of his locs” before donning a durag, while Sis “combs her hair in a swirl” before putting it in a wrap. Her father’s brush “makes rows of black waves appear,” her grandmother “rolls up her silver mane,” and her mother “gathers her corkscrew curls” before each adds their own covering (wave cap, kerchief, scarf). Wearing her own hair in a freshly braided crown, the girl discovers that her bedtime bonnet, which helps “protect my hair from tangles and lint,” is missing. A search begins, the whole family pitching in until the purple cap is found in an amusing spot. Redd’s family represents a range of varying hair textures and care routines, while Myers’s vibrant illustrations bring the close-knit crew and their daily rituals to affectionate life. Ages 3–7. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
A Black Caucus of the American Library Association Top 5 Best of the Best Book of 2020.
“Bedtime Bonnet allows Black children to see their reality reflected in their entertainment.” —Essence
"Redd’s family represents a range of varying hair textures and care routines, while Myers’s vibrant illustrations bring the close-knit crew and their daily rituals to affectionate life." —Publishers Weekly
"A celebration of black hair, family, and culture.... This brightly hued picture book with loads of charm will entertain and empower readers." —Kirkus Reviews
“Ideal for readers searching for stories about natural hair. It is a wonderful window and mirror that lends itself well to lessons on self-concept, bedtime routines, and learning about differences.” —Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2020-02-09
A celebration of black hair, family, and culture.
Myers’ buoyant illustrations offer a wonderful portrayal of the nocturnal rituals of hair maintenance familiar in black households around the globe. A young black girl with two afro-puffs sets the tone from the very first page: “In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!” From braids to locs, waves to rollers, each page oozes the joy of black hair in the ceremonial routine of hair love expressed by individuals within this big, happy, multigenerational family. It’s all jokes and giggles until the narrator’s bedtime bonnet goes missing. She explains that her bonnet helps to protect her hair from tangles and is as essential as brushing her teeth. As readers follow the central character’s journey through the house to find the missing bonnet, many different methods of hair protection are distinctly displayed. Grandma puts a kerchief over her rollers while older sister wears a wrap. Daddy wears a tight cap over his waves while older brother wears a do-rag over his locs. As the family tears the house apart, one family figure remains uncannily quiet, leading to a resolution with a great deal of humor and heart. Morning reveals the success of nighttime follicle protection.
This brightly hued picture book with loads of charm will entertain and empower readers. (Picture book. 4-9)
