This book follows Danica during her first ever visit to a hair salon. She is timid and shy, unsure of what hairstyle she should get because Danica's peers have mocked her hair and broken her confidence. From this dark place, Danica tells her hair stylist, Miss G (Gabrielle "GaBBy" Goodwin), the most heartbreaking line, "What difference can a hairstyle make?"

Through Danica's representative experience and Miss G's autobiographical experience as the inventor of the Gabby Bows, the audience is invited to pull strength and confidence from within. With support from the people that matter most in your life, that confidence can grow into a voice that no one can silence. I love the message that confidence/beauty/shine is gained through self-acceptance and only then can you "shine on the outside." And for little girls and boys of color who have their differences pointed out and mocked rather than appreciated or celebrated, this message is especially empowering. You don't need others to like you to like yourself.

I won't spoil the hairstyle Danica settles on, but I will just say that I love how it is colorful, loud, and representative of how Danica sees herself.

Naturally Me At The Confidence Salon is a wonderfully empowering book for children of color. I received this ARC in February, perfect for BHM. As a black mother, it is sometimes difficult to teach our children how to love and appreciate their hair, especially when it isn't the norm where you live (us living in Colorado, where the black population is less than 5%). This book is empowering, with the most beautiful words and illustrations. I love how the author made the story relatable, with a young black girl visiting a salon for the first time and speaking with a black stylist who was able to share her experience. This book not only outlines a few of our many, unique styles but also shines light on the power of a hairstyle and the confidence it gives our children (and us). Black hair is a major part of black culture, and this book explains that. It is important to us as a people, and it is important that we teach our children to embrace their locs and curls. This book is set to be published on May 27, 2025, and I can't wait to have it on my 5 year old daughter's shelf!
Thank you NetGalley, Tommy Nelson, Gabby Goodwin, and Princess Karibo for this beautiful ARC!

When Danica visits the salon for the first time, she's nervous and unsure; she doesn't feel like any style will fit, because she's teased at school for her skin, her hair, and her interests. But with the help of her hairstylist Miss G (aka Gabby of GaBBY Bows) she's given just the confidence boost she needs. By the end of her appointment, she's gained more confidence *and* a hairstyle that's uniquely fabulous — just like her!

This is such a sweet and empowering book, and I especially love how it showcases a variety of Black hairstyles that Danica could have chosen. Definitely a must-have for any children's library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.