Ringlets sprouting from the top of a toddler's head are adorable to see. The light, fine hair forms natural curls, adding to the cuteness of a little cherub. But usually when more hair grows in, the weight pulls the curl out of the strands and, at best, the child is left with wavy locks. With genetics at play, some lucky kids are blessed with a head full of ringlets for the rest of their lives. Here is a list of books featuring protagonists with curly hair that will tickle the funny bone of readers. The trials and tribulations of keeping unruly strands under control is both humorous and relatable.
A bouncy rhyme tells the tale of a little girl who is fed up with her big, wild hair that forms ringlets no matter what she does. Longing for straight locks, she is filled with envy every time someone with long, silky-smooth hair passes by. When her friend, with straight hair, confides in her that she wants curls, the two girls learn a little something about appreciating what you've got!
Picture Books About Characters with Curly Hair
Approximately 20% of the population has curly hair, although that number can vary depending on exactly how you define it. The spectrum is broad, ranging from slightly wavy to tight ringlets. And so is the sentiment of kids who have hair with lots of personality, with some loving their locks while others longing for a different type. Just like kids with red hair, lots of young people want to fit in with the crowd, which is hard to do with a head full of wild and crazy hair. In these stories about curly hair, characters share their perceived plight, ultimately learning to appreciate the gift of standing out from the rest and loving this unique physical trait. For more entertaining and self-affirming tales, peruse the best children's books about natural black hair featuring a beautiful, diverse group of protagonists who show off their remarkable afros, box braids, cornrows, and other amazing styles.
Claire Blair's Unruly Hair
Clair has perfect hair, only she just doesn't know it quite yet. In an uplifting, rhyming story perfect for preschoolers, the character shares her struggles with keeping her big hair neat, tidy...and straight. What she learns along her journey is that her curly hair is quite perfect. This uplifting story is available with illustrations featuring characters with brown, black, blonde and red hair, so you can order the one that matches your child's color.
Princess Truly in My Magical Sparkling Curls
A darling nine-book book series featuring Princess Truly is a perfect fit for the preschool to kindergarten reading level. This second installment is a magical story about curls that have the power to time travel. With appealing pastel colors as the backdrop, this curious princess explores Egyptian pyramids, encounters dinosaurs living during the Jurassic period, and journeys to outer space. None of these exciting adventures would be possible without the special powers of her curly hair.
Curls
A poetic book for babies celebrating the lovely curls of African American hair. Cherubic, smiling faces emit happiness and pride as little people show off amazing styles that embrace big, wavy, kinky, frizzy, amazing black hair.
Frizzy Haired Zuzu
Zuzu is a bright, energetic girl with a passion for life. She loves to ride her bike and dance the day away to her favorite music. But there is just one thing weighing her down. A big poof of curly red hair that grows uncontrollably. Employing the help of her mother and sister, they work together to try and contain the curly mess. Epic failure leads to Plan B, save money for a professional to straighten her locks. This strategy works better than expected, but Zuzu isn't exactly elated with her straight hair. A wonderful story about self-acceptance and identity.
Maddy's Mad Hair Day
Maddy learns a lesson about accepting what she cannot change. Her unruly red locks are making her crazy. But no matter what she does to contain them, the curls spring back into action. A short but sweet story a girl who realizes that riotous red hair is an amazing attribute, and that what needs to change is her attitude toward it.
Curlee Girlee
Lots of little girls dream of having long, flowing hair. This two-part book series follows a feisty protagonist who, like others with curly hair, wish for something different. She wants to look like everyone else, not stand out with uncontrollable curly-cues that have a life of their own. She spends all her time trying to solve this problem until she realizes that her hair is a gift. A great story for anyone with a physical difference causing feelings of insecurity.
Curly Hair Chose Me
Any child with springy hair that has a life of its own will love this sweet story of self-acceptance. A little girl desperately wants her hair to flow neat and flat along her face. Yet no matter how she tries to fight it's natural buoyancy, the battle ends in defeat, especially when she plays outdoors. Returning home with a headful of frizz, she leans in to her mother who shares valuable words about her unique trait.
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