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Beach Hair

Illustrated by Nina Mata

About The Book

From two bestselling creators comes a lyrical and heartfelt picture book about a multiracial family’s trip to the beach that’s an ode to family, community, diversity, and—most importantly—fabulous beach hair!

When I wake up with the wildest bed head
and Mommy and Daddy do too
Mommy says we all have beach hair,
so Daddy says, “Guess we should go to the beach.”

At the beach, everyone has beach hair. There’s twisty and twirly hair, flossy and glossy hair, hair that’s barely there, and hair that’s everywhere.

The best part about a beach day is the belonging and joy that everyone feels when they let their hair run as wild and free as the sea.

About The Author

provided by author

Ashley Woodfolk has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She started reading at age five, writing poetry and stories at age seven, and after majoring in English in college, worked in children’s book publishing for over a decade. Now a full-time mom and writer, Ashley lives in a sunny Brooklyn apartment with her cute husband, her cuter dog, and the cutest kids in the world, and she spends her days (and nights) writing. She is the author of ten books, including The Beauty That Remains, When You Were Everything, Blackout, Nothing Burns as Bright as You, and the Flyy Girls series.

About The Illustrator

Niña Mata is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of I Promise by LeBron James, which was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Niña grew up in Queens, New York, after her family emigrated from the Philippines when she was six years old. As a child, Niña spent a lot of time drawing. Her after-school activities usually involved watching Bob Ross and Reading Rainbow and looking for adventures in the library (which she still does). She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, their daughter, and Tabi, the cat.

Why We Love It

“Ashley is such a natural picture book writer, whose prose is warm, moving, and lyrical. Paired with Niña Mata’s stunning art, reading this book will make you feel like you’re spending a relaxing day at the beach with your family.”

—Celia L., Executive Editor, on Beach Hair

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (June 4, 2024)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665920995
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"This family story is a delightful exploration of acceptance and the joy of embracing one’s natural beauty. With its playful, warm illustrations and heartfelt message, this book will spark conversations about family, physical differences, and cultural pride."

– Booklist

"Making a lively picture book debut, Woodfolk (Nothing Burns as Bright as You) pays homage to seaside ’dos of all kinds. . . It’s a well-observed celebration that’s a day at the beach."

– Publishers Weekly

"A radiant love letter to family, beachy summer days, and the freedom to let your hair down."

– Kirkus Reviews 

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