Today's read looked like it'd be simple and fun. At first, I thought it might follow the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but after reading the blurb, it's clear this is going to go in a different direction. I'm in the mood for a light, simple read with tons of good vibes, and I hope that this one contains exactly that.
Let's see how it does!
BOLDILOCKS
by Deborah Frenkel
Illustrated by Carla Hoffenberg
EK Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 3 to 8
COMING SEPTEMBER 9th!!!
Boldilocks is a boy with spectacular, shimmering hair, who finds that differences can be difficult to deal with — and that sometimes, it’s best to be bold.
Bellamy Boldilocks’ hair is notorious. It swooshes and streams so strikingly that everyone looks at him and whispers, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But when Pa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpected happens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hair is transformed.
This silly, fun picture book is perfect for preschoolers and up. It challenges gender stereotyping that can offer a narrow definition of what’s acceptable for boys or girls, often depriving little boys of bright colors, or rainbows, or sparkles — all the fun, self-expressive stuff!
Boldilocks is an uplifting story about being confident in your skin (and hair) and will resonate with anyone who has ever felt a little bit embarrassed about how they look. It celebrates the power of community and how it can makeover shame into joyful pride.
MY TIDBITS
Embracing yourself comes across with sparkling finesse in a fun read, which leaves a smile on the face.
Bellamy has the most amazing hair. It's swooshes, is thick, and shines. Everyone recognizes him and whispers about his luscious locks. But then, his father declares that he's had enough of the whispers and stares surrounding his son. Against Bellamy's will, his father drags him to the hairdresser. But the most unexpected thing happens.
This is a simple, feel-good book, which strengths self-confidence. The illustrations are lively, colorful, and energetic as Bellamy flings and swirls his thick hair. Tons of sparkles and shine radiate from his hair in an imaginative and fun way. It's like a dip of magic without there really being any. The text is kept short and sweet, giving just enough to keep the story flowing. This makes it an ideal read for even more impatient listeners.
When the father grabs Bellamy's arm to take him to the hairdresser, a little tension builds. The wrongness of the situation is hard to miss, and yet, everything smooths over into a nice surprise. The end inspires and calls for hair-flinging, too.
It's a fun, simple, and positive read.
And here they are...
Deborah Frenkel is a writer of books, billboards, and the words on the back of shampoo bottles. Since 2008 she has worked as both a freelance and advertising agency copywriter in Melbourne, Sydney and Shanghai.
Deborah’s previously published children’s books include The Truck Cat (Hardie Grant, 2024), 100 School Days (Affirm, 2024), The Sydney Harbour Fairy (Affirm, 2023), and Naturopolis (Storytorch Press 2023), which won a gold Nautilus Award in 2023. She
lives in Melbourne and her hair, alas, is not spectacular.
Carla Hoffenberg is a children's book illustrator, residing in Sydney. She grew up in Johannesburg and has also lived in NYC. Her previously published books include Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping (IP Kids, 2022) and Mia’s Glamma (IP Kids, 2023). Carla is passionate about bringing joy to the world through optimistic and imaginative illustrations. Carla has three kids and loves seeing their individuality and self-confidence flourish. She is always working on her next children’s book project.
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