This is one of those books that does exactly what it sets out to do—and does it beautifully. Matthew A. Cherry (yes, the former NFL player turned Oscar-winning filmmaker) created something genuinely needed: a joyful, tender story about a Black dad and his daughter that centers natural hair without making it a problem to solve.
Zuri loves her hair. Full stop. It's not a journey to self-acceptance; she's already there. The journey is Dad's, as he learns to work with coils and curls for a special occasion. That role reversal—where the parent is the learner—is refreshing and real.
The 4.9 Amazon rating and glowing parent reviews aren't hype. This book fills a gap and does it with warmth, humor, and gorgeous art. If you have a young child, especially a Black child learning to love their natural texture, this belongs on your shelf. And if you're building a classroom library that actually reflects your students, this is essential.
It's a picture book, so don't expect a complex plot. But for what it is? Nearly flawless.






