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kelleemoye's review
4.0
So glad that I picked this up at the Scholastic booth at NCTE! This unique picture book takes the look at history and specifically the hair styles that were popular during historical periods. So interesting! I love the mix of hair facts (there are some really weird things you find out), fashion information and historical events & figures.
saidtheraina's review
3.0
Throughout human history, people have done crazy things to their hair. Here, Krull and Malone combine wild facts about hair from history with illustrations which ape famous works of art. We follow history chronologically, learning about the white spiked do worn by the Celts a few millenia ago, the early years of shampoo, and the inspiration for the Dorothy Hamill cut.
None of the information goes in-depth – we generally only read a few – albeit entertaining – sentences about each fact. The real feature is the illustrations, though most children will likely not recognize the referenced works of art. The images have elements of surrealism – for example, the first blonde cave woman is pictured made up like Marilyn Monroe.
Malone’s illustrations are attractive and fun to look at, but children looking for historical information may be frustrated by the lack of concrete detail or context. Included is an appendix (titled “Hair Extensions”) of sorts, which includes additional facts for each period. There is no explanation and nothing to distinguish between the facts included in the main body of the book versus this section, so the reader must wonder why they are included in this way, instead of on the relevant pages. Although this is an attractive package and fun to read, the sparse information, overly tongue-in-cheek illustrations, and odd organization of the information makes this an additional purchase. \\pro review
That said, it really is pretty gorgeous to look at. If it had been even slightly better, I would totally have booktalked it at local elementary schools.
None of the information goes in-depth – we generally only read a few – albeit entertaining – sentences about each fact. The real feature is the illustrations, though most children will likely not recognize the referenced works of art. The images have elements of surrealism – for example, the first blonde cave woman is pictured made up like Marilyn Monroe.
Malone’s illustrations are attractive and fun to look at, but children looking for historical information may be frustrated by the lack of concrete detail or context. Included is an appendix (titled “Hair Extensions”) of sorts, which includes additional facts for each period. There is no explanation and nothing to distinguish between the facts included in the main body of the book versus this section, so the reader must wonder why they are included in this way, instead of on the relevant pages. Although this is an attractive package and fun to read, the sparse information, overly tongue-in-cheek illustrations, and odd organization of the information makes this an additional purchase. \\pro review
That said, it really is pretty gorgeous to look at. If it had been even slightly better, I would totally have booktalked it at local elementary schools.
beths0103's review
4.0
Great mentor text to use to get kids to make their own "history of" timeline.
books_plan_create's review
4.0
Interesting...many things about the history of hair and hair care that I didn't know, and wish I didn't know! Pigeon Poop? Animal pee? Um..no thank you!
maidmarianlib's review
3.0
Interesting tidbits of facts, Would have liked it more if the facts in the "summary" back pages had been part of the main text.
beecheralyson's review
4.0
I love Kathleen Krull's non-fiction picture books. I always learn so many new things. This time - all about hair, hairstyles, hair products...great concept, fun read.
tashrow's review
4.0
I am a huge fan of Krull’s nonfiction books for children. Just as her earlier books, this one has a wry sense of humor and contains fascinating facts. Here the subject is the history of hairdos. Krull starts with prehistory in Africa and then travels forward until 2007 where the most expensive haircut in history is purchased for $16,300. In between, readers will learn about different trends in color, styles, lengths and curls. The book takes an already interesting topic and through details and facts makes it even more compelling.
Krull’s writing is skillful as always, bundling intriguing facts together into small stories that capture a moment in time. Her tone of wonder and interest makes for an inviting read, encouraging readers to be excited about the information as well. Make sure you head all the way to the end and read about the history of hair extensions too.
Malone’s illustrations are fine lined and work well to both depict historical figures and to place them in unique and hair-raising situations. He changes his style of illustration to match the time period and culture at times, such as the Japanese samurai warrior page. His colors are just as fine and carefully selected as his lines are.
No snarls in this book. In fact, it goes to great lengths to avoid tangles. One might say, this is a top-knot book. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
Krull’s writing is skillful as always, bundling intriguing facts together into small stories that capture a moment in time. Her tone of wonder and interest makes for an inviting read, encouraging readers to be excited about the information as well. Make sure you head all the way to the end and read about the history of hair extensions too.
Malone’s illustrations are fine lined and work well to both depict historical figures and to place them in unique and hair-raising situations. He changes his style of illustration to match the time period and culture at times, such as the Japanese samurai warrior page. His colors are just as fine and carefully selected as his lines are.
No snarls in this book. In fact, it goes to great lengths to avoid tangles. One might say, this is a top-knot book. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
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