Picture Book: Hooks, Bell. 1999. Happy to be Nappy.  Hyperion Books. New York: ISBN: 078682377

Introduction

This is a "girls only" session for the young ones. The poem reminds me of my experiences as a child getting my hair braided by my mom. Bring a couple of dolls to the session.  Allow the girls to play with and braid the doll's hair. All little girls love playing "make-up and dress-up" with their dolls! This is a perfect poem and story combination to share with girls at a slumber party!

First Braids

My mother braids my hair

Stirring the roots

With knowing fingers

This here is your glory,

She says

I look in the mirror and see:

My dream and me

Running in plaited loops

From the top

Of my head

On down

To the locks of my shoulders

                                                                 Joyce Carol Thomas

Extension

Gather children together and read Bell Hooks Happy to Be Nappy.