Nappy.

Nappy by Charisse Camey-Nunes Illustrated by Ann Marie Williams Brand Nu Words, January 2006 $14, ISBN 0-974-81421-0

Nappy is not only a children's hair story, it is a book that tells of the distinct connections between black, female pioneers before, during and after slavery, and that they all had one thing in common besides their fearless attitudes and black skin--they all had "super-nappturally hair texture" Parents and readers will benefit from Nappy because it teaches young girls about "hair, history and heritage" which is nutrition for the soul in this age in which women and girls weave, perm and process their hair and seemingly disconnect themselves from their roots.

As if the story line were not enough, the author has included mini-biographies on black female pioneers at the back of the book. Without a doubt, the illustrations are appropriate to the story line. In fact, some are so vivid they bring back memories of childhood--hair being pulled and comb teeth breaking--all for the price of ponytails or cornrows. A matte finish, however, makes the illustrations appear simple. The book is ideal for a birthday or holiday gift or perhaps a treat for any young girl questioning her "nappy" hair.

--Reviewed by Jacqueline Leslie Jacqueline Leslie, an intern at BIBR, lives in Brooklyn and is a graduating senior at Medgar Evers College, pursuing a B.A. in English. She will attend graduate school in the fall.