That Curly-Haired Girl

Elizabeth Levin is a professor of psychology at Laurentian University.

Andrea had long, beautiful, curly hair, “curly down her back all the
way to her bum.” Problem was, Andrea did not appreciate her wonderful
curls. Everyone in her town commented on her curls wherever she went and
Andrea hated it. When Andrea’s grandmother wished she had Andrea’s
curls, Andrea wished so too. Andrea’s mother explained that people
often wish for what they do not have—girls with curls want straight
hair, while straight-haired girls want curls. When all her efforts to
straighten Andrea’s hair fail, mom offers Andrea a choice: accept the
curls or....

No one recognized Andrea when she went to the post office to send a
package to her grandmother. The package was a box of curls!

Both straight- and curly-haired girls will enjoy this story. Also,
Andrea’s dilemma creates an opportunity for parents to discuss
problem-solving strategies with their children. Aries Cheung’s
illustrations are charming and wonderfully convey Andrea’s
frustrations with her curls and her joy when they are gone. Recommended.