A scholar and cultural critic, bell hooks infuses her writings with conversations of race and gender. 1999, Hooks wrote Happy to Be Nappy as her first children’s book. Chris Raschka, a two-time winner of the prestigious Caldecott Medal for illustrations in children’s books, created the images that accompany Hooks’s text. Written for ages three and above, focusing on those in their preschool and early elementary years, this book inspires young girls to celebrate the beauty of their hair: “soft like cotton, flower petal billowy soft, full of frizz and fuzz.” Although the writing focuses on African or African-American girls, the narrative encourages all readers to see the beauty within them. Disney-Hyperion re-released the title in board book form in 2017.
Happy to Be Nappy
Description
With her powerful narratives that address race, gender, class, and culture, Gloria Jean Watkins has contributed to more extensive conversations about social inequality and its impact on many groups, especially black women. Her published works are under the pen name “Bell Hooks,” which she assumed in honor of Bell Blair Hooks, her maternal great-grandmother when she began her college teaching career in the mid-1970s.
A prolific writer with important messages to share, Hooks released her first published work—a book of poems entitled “And There We Wept”—forty years ago under her pen name.
In 1999, hooks wrote her first children’s book, Happy to Be Nappy. Written for ages three and above, focusing on those in their preschool and early elementary years, this book inspires young girls to celebrate the beauty of their hair: “soft like cotton, flower petal billowy soft, full of frizz and fuzz.”
Although written focusing on African or African-American girls, the narrative encourages all readers to see the beauty within them. She offers this lyrical celebration of hair–long or short, natural, twisted, and nappy–to encourage a more profound message: Young girls should feel empowered by their ability to show their individuality. They are worthy of love and acceptance the way they are and should never diminish their true character to make themselves into something they do not want to be.
Hooks teamed up with well-known illustrator Chris Raschka to make her story have a significant impact. His bold images pair perfectly with Hooks’s exuberant narrative. Since the book’s original release, Raschka has won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for illustrations in children’s books twice. His visualizations vividly portray the words Hooks has written.
When reading the book, the reader appreciates the meaning that “doing hair” had for hooks as a social event in which girls laughed, shared time, told stories, and felt a strong sense of comfort.
This book was published in a second edition in 2017. Disney-Hyperion re-released it in board book form. Its purpose is to introduce a new generation of young girls to the importance of celebrating themselves and their individuality through the pride they should have in their hair.
The narrative hooks crafted nearly twenty years ago remains vitally important today. The arrival of the second edition should be welcomed by families wanting to give their young daughters a critical story and by preschools, elementary schools, and public libraries.
FAQs
“Happy to Be Nappy” is an authentic multicultural picture book that accurately portrays African American characteristics, including nappy hair. The protagonist proudly embraces her nappy hair, while her family celebrates their heritage, recognizing the uniqueness of their hair.
“Happy to Be Nappy” celebrates the diverse hairstyles of Black girls, highlighting the beauty in various lengths, styles, and states of hair. This book encourages appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual’s hair.
Ashlee G. –
This empowering book celebrates the natural beauty of African American hair, inspiring girls to embrace and love their unique curls. It’s a powerful message of self-acceptance and confidence, encouraging young readers to celebrate their natural beauty with pride.
Trish –
This delightful children’s book celebrates the joy of black hair. Written by bell hooks, it joyfully portrays the beauty and versatility of hair through colorful illustrations and empowering words. It’s a celebration of self-expression and happiness, resonating with readers of all ages.
Trish –
This is just a kids’ book…a happy, nappy kids’ book…that expresses joy for black hair. This is how I think about black hair. Bell Hooks wrote the words here; she was unambiguous: This can be a joy. I’m happy to be nappy.
Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer –
A group of little girls with natural hair textures learn about the many things they can do with the hair they were born with. My nephew just had to read this book with the little African-American girl on the cover! I immensely love the art in this book.
Ashlee G. –
I LOVE MY HAIR!!! This book encourages African American girls to be comfortable with and love their natural hair. It took me a long time to embrace my natural hair, so I can only imagine how children may feel about rocking their natural locks.
Phylicia B. –
This story is about little girls with natural hair textures who learn to like the hair they are born with and the many things they can do with it. Happy to Be Nappy empowers girls to know they should be proud of their hair.
Sownbrooklyn –
Bell Hooks’ Happy to Be Nappy uses beautiful descriptive language to teach little brown girls to love the natural state of their hair. The lyrical, poetic words bounce along the pages like the girls they describe, concluding they are “ just all girl happy! Happy to be nappy hair!”
Marvin C. –
Happy to Be Nappy is a matter-of-fact book that describes different styles of African-American hair…primarily for girls. It takes something that is perceived as unfavorable in the black community (nappy hair) and validates it.
Tiah K. –
This is a great kid’s book. I gave it to my little sister when she had a lovely fro so she would know that, even though none of us had afros, it was OK to have different hair and to be happy within herself.
Tia R. –
This book is controversial because of the vocabulary used to describe the girl’s hair. However, its message is very positive, and I think it is essential to promote positive body image even from a very young age.
Jamia –
I LOVE this book. When I bought a copy, I heard bell hooks speak, and it was one of the most empowering experiences I have ever had. I have an autographed copy that I hope to give to my happy-to-be-nappy children someday. It is an empowering and beautiful book. Simple. And beautiful.
Monique –
This is a toddler book with thick, hard-coated pages. The story flows like a rap song.