I Love My Hair!

Summary of Book

A modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!

In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence.


I Love My Hair! has been a staple in African-American picture books for 20 years, and now has a fresh, updated cover that shines on the shelves!

Author Biography

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley is the author of the best-selling picture book I Love My Hair!, Princess Tiana and the Royal Ball, and other acclaimed titles for children and adults. Her children’s books are on the recommended-reading lists of school and library systems worldwide. A former reporter for Fortune magazine, she is the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Ms. Tarpley is the founder of Voonderbar! Productions, LLC, a multimedia children’s entertainment company. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Illustrator Biography

The award winning illustrator and fine artist, E.B. Lewis has illustrated over seventy books for children, including:

· New York Times 2016 Best Illustrated Book Award, Kirkus 2016 Best Illustrated Book Award, and the 2016 Golden Kite Honor Award, Jabari Asim’s Preaching to the Chicken’s
· 2009 winner of the Orbis Picture Award for Hester Bass’ The Secret World of Walter Anderson
· 2004 Caldecott Honor Award Winner, Jacqueline Woodson’s Coming on Home Soon
· 2002 Notable Book for the Language Arts Award for Jacqueline Woodson’s’ The Other Side
· 1996 ALA Notable Children’s Book Award for Alice Schertle’s Down the Road
· Five time Coretta Scott King winner, which includes the Award winning Nikki Grimes’, Talking About Bessie
· Plus numerous other awards

Inspired by two artist uncles, as early as the third grade, Lewis displayed artistic promise. Beginning in the sixth grade, he attended the Saturday Morning Art League and studied with Clarence Wood. Lewis attended the Temple University Tyler School of Art, where, he discovered his medium of preference was watercolor.

During his four years at Temple, Lewis majored in Graphic Design, Illustration and Art Education. After graduating, he taught art in public schools for twelve years. Presently, E.B. teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a member of The Society of Illustrators in New York City, and an artist member of Salamagundi Art Club of New York.

In 2003, the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota purchased a collection of original watercolors from E.B.’s first fifty children’s books. Today, his works are displayed in museums, owned by private collectors, and sold by art galleries throughout the United States and Europe.