I thoroughly appreciated this book. I was particularly impressed by the exploration of the subject of natural hair and the various styling techniques presented. It serves as an excellent educational resource for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of natural hairstyles.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the opportunity to review.

I love a good picture book on self-love and representation! I can do without the religious aspect, but it's just a one-off (unless you also read the author bios). I absolutely loved the illustrations really showcasing each characters uniqueness!

A cute, empowering story about embracing your body (and hair). Forte does a great job encapsulating the mind of a young girl who is seeking meaning and value.

My son really liked this. We read it at bedtime and he looked to see how each person's hair was different than the last. There were a lot of different types and textures which I appreciated as his mom. Definitely will be reading this one again!

This book explores all the ways that one can style one's hair with a focus on Black hair. Books like this are so important and I love that they are becoming more common is children's literature. As a curly haired woman, I remember people constantly telling me how much prettier my hair was when straightened and how much that hurt. Thanks to some wonderful women in my life, I am now hopelessly in love with my curls and I try to compliment other women and girls rocking their natural curls. I think this is a great book to reinforce that there are many types of hair and styles which are all beautiful. The gorgeous illustrations, rhyming prose, and cultural exploration make this a wonderful addition to any classroom or home! 5 stars

I love the heart of this book! The pictures are beautiful and the message is such an important one. I really appreciate authors writing books like this that celebrate natural hair and all that it can do.

My Hair Can is a fun whimsically illustrated book for the youngest readers by Matt Forté. Due out 3rd Sept 2024 from Tyndale House, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully illustrated book in rhyming verse for 4-7 year olds with a positive message about self-love, spirit, culture, and happiness with ourselves. Despite being aimed at kids, it's definitely an all-ages message about loving ourselves for who we are. The text is simple and accessible and will be understood by even the youngest, but will be a great bedtime or anytime read with parents or caregivers.

The art by Sophia Green is dynamic and colorful and full of small movement and details which invite a closer look. It's appealing and supports and enhances the text very well.

Tyndale House is a Christian imprint, and there are two references to Bible verses (in the dedication, and the "about the author" page), but it's not at all intrusive and is presented in a positive, motivational way. The kids in the book are multi-ethnic, from a broad range of skin tones and inclusively presented in a positive, non-judgemental way.

Five stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or for carers/childminders.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

My Hair Can is a joyful rhyming book about the wonders of kinky hair. The inclusion of Bible verses was unexpected but not unwelcome to me personally. I enjoyed seeing a book about appreciating culture from a Christian perspective, especially since most Evangelical Christian books tend to focus on white-centric cultural norms. I'm not sure about buying this for a library because it is explicitly religious in nature, but I would love to have it for my own personal collection. As a white foster mother I may one day have kids with curly or braided hair, and I can also use it to teach my current foster daughter about cultures other than her own. Thanks for this!

My Hair Can is an encouraging reminder for young readers about loving their hair, respecting differences, and celebrating their God-given uniqueness. I will read it for my kids, for sure, so they can grow up with this understanding and knowing their identity is worth in God.

‘My Hair Can’ by Matt Forté is a beautiful and heartwarming story that truly shines in every aspect.

Plot: ★★★★★
The plot is lovely, delivering a sweet and uplifting message about embracing one's unique features. The narrative is well-paced and engaging, making it a delightful journey for young readers. It’s a story that celebrates individuality and self-love, emphasising the importance of confidence and pride in one's appearance.

Character: ★★★★☆
The main character is adorable and sweet, perfectly capturing the essence of childhood and the joy of self-expression. Children will easily relate to the protagonist's experiences and feelings, which are portrayed with warmth and authenticity. The character’s journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Illustrations: ★★★★★
The illustrations are truly stunning. Each page is filled with vibrant colours and beautiful details that bring the story to life. The artistic style complements the narrative perfectly, making the book visually captivating and enhancing the overall reading experience. The illustrations effectively convey the character's emotions and the book's uplifting message.

Engagement: ★★★★★
It’s quite an engaging read. The combination of the compelling story and captivating illustrations keeps children’s attention from start to finish. The relatable character and positive message make it a book that children will want to read over and over again.

Readability: ★★★★★
The readability is marvellous. The language is simple yet expressive, making it easy for young readers to follow along. It has a perfect read-aloud factor, making it a joy for parents and educators to share with children. The rhythm and flow of the text enhance the story’s impact, making it a pleasure to read aloud.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★
‘My Hair Can’ is quite enjoyable. It’s a delightful book that I really liked and think children will love as well. The positive message, engaging story, and beautiful illustrations make it a standout read. It’s a book that will leave a lasting impression and encourage children to embrace their unique features with pride.

‘My Hair Can’ by Matt Forté is a beautiful story with a lovely plot, adorable characters, stunning illustrations, and excellent readability. It’s a wonderfully engaging and enjoyable book that celebrates individuality and self-love, making it a fantastic addition to any child’s bookshelf. This heartwarming tale is perfect for sharing with young readers and will undoubtedly become a cherished favourite.

From former NFL player Matt Forté comes this lyrical celebration of the different types of hair, styles of hair, and heritages of hair. Readers may just find themselves holding their heads up a little higher and their backs a little straighter to keep their crowns from tilting out of place.

My students, ages 2-6, loved this book. They liked to see all the ways the characters’ hair can be worn and styled. The fun and bright pictures caught our attention. They oohed and ahhed. As a teacher, I love diverse and inclusive books. Books that represent all my students in my room’s library is imperative. A beautiful book I would love a hard copy of for my classroom.

What a cute and empowering book for children! I am a firm believer in encouraging children to embrace their differences and know that those differences are what make them great! I can see this circulating a lot at my library!

My daughters - 8 and 6, enjoyed this book. They shared the lessons they learnt from the book - "we should love every part of our body", "we should love everyone even if they are different from us". Thank you, Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback, in this case, my children's feedback

This is a beautiful representation of hair love! The illustrations are incredible & pair beautifully with the lyrical text. I love the affirmation, empowerment, & love. Seeing that all hair is different, just like people, & yet our hair/outward appearance doesn't fully define who we are. I will note that this book is nonsecular & does mention God. And from first glance, families may not know that.

A beautifully illustrated book featuring diverse hair types and self-love. Rhyming and sweet for kids and kids at heart.