"Sometimes Papa
braids my hair,
making two
twists down the
sides of my face.
They remind me of the long,
snowy-white braid my dadi
wears to parties."
This seems the perfect book for today ... Father's Day!
The young Sikh girl who narrates this heartwarming story explains to readers how she and her dad take care of their hair. Both have long dark hair, in keeping with Sikh tradition. They begin their morning in the same way each day. Papa uses a bright pink comb to work through the waves in her hair, using coconut oil to smooth it.
Her papa then prepares his own hair, with his young daughter providing assistance: a rubber band, and a beard brush (aka toothbrush). Some days her hair is braided. On hair twin days, he puts her hair in a bun on top of her head. He styles the joora every day for himself. After school, Papa takes her hair down and they do a freedom dance.
Before they meet friends and family on Fridays, Papa prepares once more.
" ... Papa ties his patka, covering his bun.
Then he ties his turban, wrapping the fabric
around his head. Sometimes he even lets me
pick the color!"
Digital illustrations are as warm as the text. Readers will make discoveries as they spend time carefully considering the colorful pages. Happiness and self-confidence are reflected in the expressions of both father and daughter. Diversity in hair styles and people reinforces the concept as the friends play in the park.
The author includes a note about her family ... the inspiration for her storytelling. A picture of the two is included.
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