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About The Book

From two bestselling creators comes a lyrical and heartfelt picture book about a multiracial family’s trip to the beach that’s an ode to family, community, diversity, and—most importantly—fabulous beach hair!

When I wake up with the wildest bed head
and Mommy and Daddy do too
Mommy says we all have beach hair,
so Daddy says, “Guess we should go to the beach.”

At the beach, everyone has beach hair. There’s twisty and twirly hair, flossy and glossy hair, hair that’s barely there, and hair that’s everywhere.

The best part about a beach day is the belonging and joy that everyone feels when they let their hair run as wild and free as the sea.

About The Author

Photograph by Ashley Woodfolk

Ashley Woodfolk has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember. As a full-time mom and author, she spends her days reading and writing from a sunny Brooklyn apartment where she lives with her cute husband, her cuter dog, and the cutest kid in the world. Her books include When You Were EverythingNothing Burns as Bright as You, anthologies Blackout and Whiteout, and the Flyy Girls series. Beach Hair is her debut picture book.

About The Illustrator

Niña Mata is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of I Promise by LeBron James, which was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Niña grew up in Queens, New York, after her family emigrated from the Philippines when she was six years old. As a child, Niña spent a lot of time drawing. Her after-school activities usually involved watching Bob Ross and Reading Rainbow and looking for adventures in the library (which she still does). She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, their daughter, and Tabi, the cat.

Why We Love It

“Ashley is such a natural picture book writer, whose prose is warm, moving, and lyrical. Paired with Niña Mata’s stunning art, reading this book will make you feel like you’re spending a relaxing day at the beach with your family.”

—Celia L., Executive Editor, on Beach Hair

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 18, 2024)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665920988
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"Making a lively picture book debut, Woodfolk (Nothing Burns as Bright as You) pays homage to seaside ’dos of all kinds. . . It’s a well-observed celebration that’s a day at the beach."

Publishers Weekly

"A radiant love letter to family, beachy summer days, and the freedom to let your hair down."

Kirkus Reviews 

Resources and Downloads

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