An Enchanted Hair Tale (Reading Rainbow Book) - Softcover

Alexis De Veaux

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0064432718 ISBN 13: 9780064432719

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1991

Synopsis

Sudan suffers from the general ridicule of his strange-looking hair, until he comes to accept and enjoy its enchantment.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-4 Sudan looks like his father, except for his hair that is just like his mother's. ``It giggled when he talked and roared when he walked and often sprouted wings.'' Although Sudan enjoys his enchanted hair, he is bothered by the negative comments that adults make about it. One day he gets so mad, he runs away and finds a group of people with ``wild root hair'' similar to his. Together they bounce on a trampoline and act in their circus until Sudan feels that he should go home. That night he is at peace, singing ``a song of the words Pearl Poet left in his head.'' De Veaux is trying to give children confidence in the face of taunting and discrimination, but she does not succeed. The poetics of the text seem forced and contrived, sometimes rhyming, sometimes not. The black-and-white illustrations show more warmth and understanding than the text. Sudan is rather appealing with his large, expressive eyes, slightly sad, but not mad. Some children may identify with Sudan, but more will be confused by the rhyme. Children do not easily accept an adult message just because it is packaged in a picture book format. Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Teased about his unruly dreadlocks, Sudan runs away, but discovers unexpected allies. According to PW , "The unusual story is beautifully illustrated. Hana's rich black-and-white drawings hover intriguingly between the text's real and imaginary worlds." Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0064432718
• ISBN 13: 9780064432719
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 38
• Illustrator: Cheryl Hanna