Don’t Cut My Hair

PreS-K–Millie loves her long, lustrous hair. And even though other people complain that Millie has too much hair or that her hair is in the way, Millie begs to differ, asserting that her hair is integral to her identity. Only Millie’s best friend Chloe seems to appreciate Millie’s hair as much as she does. When Chloe undergoes medical treatment and loses her own hair, however, Millie changes her mind and discovers a way for her helpful hair to give others the joy it brings to her. Few picture books recognize the impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis, and this one manages to connect a heartbreaking reality with a hopeful endeavor. Chunky, collage-style illustrations are the primary feature of this picture book, incorporating a limited color palette that highlights the bright orange color of Millie’s hair. Millie narrates, which lets readers place themselves in Millie’s shoes. Though the text itself is spare, the brief phrases and familiar language it employs keep the story accessible when read aloud to a young child. Best suited to one-on-one or home sharing due to the intricacy of the illustrations and the weight of the subject matter, this book is a heartfelt examination of how one child can help others during a time of greatest need.