Hey Yall! Last weekend, I attended a local event for a book signing with E. Danielle Butler at The Listening Tree.
E. Danielle Butler is a mom, former educator, and author who responded to the need for more diverse children's literature by creating her own children's books series, The Adventures of Zoe & Zachary.
She envisions a collection of "life books" where children see themselves reflected. The first title, Zoe's Bun, was simply written as an ode to her daughter and her confidence. While the natural hair movement is increasing in visibility and reception, many black young girls have yet to accept and embrace the authority, freedom, and attention of their glorious manes. Her daughter is one of them; her favorite hairstyle right now is a bun, and that’s okay. The second title, Zoe Gets a Brother, was driven by my observation of the transition in anticipation of my son's arrival.
I got ahold of Zoe's Bun book, and I must say it's a wonderfully made book and beautifully illustrated, helping to uplift young girls to take pride in themselves. It reminds me of my youngest daughter Michelle who loves to have her hair in one big giant puff while rocking her bow. She knows she looks cute while bouncing around everywhere with her head swinging. 😊
Although this book is short and more catered to beginner reads, both of my pre-teen daughters enjoyed it since they too enjoy wearing their hair in certain hairstyles.
It wasn't always the case of my girls loving their hair. Michelle uses to complain to me about wanting hair that was straight and flowy; she wanted her hair down her back. While Lauren moaned about her hair is just too big, always getting into her face, so she prefers to have her hair in a updo.
But with positive influences like myself and E. Danielle Butler, we are helping to teach our girls to love their God given strands.
Check out Zoe's Bun, and Zoe Gets a Brother! Add it to your children's book collection.
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