Princess Truly in My Magical Sparking Curls, written by Kelly Greenawalt, reviewed by Anneliese White

Summary: Princess Truly is your average girl who enjoys an unconventional and magical day of swimming on the ocean floor with fishes, playing in outer space, racing dinosaurs (spoiler alert: T Rex wins), and more. She however has a special part of her, and that’s her beautiful curls! This book celebrates the uniqueness and loveliness of African American hair, and readers will delight in the rhyming style of Truly’s story and the vibrant painted illustrations. “I love my fluffy, puffy curls; I’m so happy they are mine. When I believe in myself, they shimmer and they shine.” With a purple tutu, green shoes, and colorful bows, Princess Truly dances across the pages and will inspire self-confidence and joy in her readers.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book definitely represents diversity, and would be a beneficial addition to a library seeking to fulfill that goal. It was written by and illustrated by two women who happen to be Caucasion and who both have daughters who are African American. As mentioned at the end of Truly’s story, they wanted to create this book so their daughters could “...see a strong, smart, problem-solving, confident young girl with beautiful curls who could do anything she set her mind to!” The illustrations are in watercolor form, and will entertain young readers. This book could be exclusionary in an obvious way as young male readers most likely won’t want to pick up a book about a princess, nor a book with pink and purple all over the cover. It would be great as a choice to promote and discuss self-esteem and the differences that we all have, and should all celebrate. Undoubtedly it is a recommended purchase for libraries where the book fits.