ACHUKA Book of the Day Wed 6 May 2020
ACHUKA is a fan of big hair, especially when working as a portrait photographer, so this picture book about a magical afro immediately caught my eye.
It comes from independent Tallawah Publishing, founded last year by the book’s author Jessica Wilson.
Every Sunday afternoon, Sofia’s mum washes and combs her hair. Whenever her hair is touched, Sofia becomes very sleepy. Sofia travels in her dreams visiting a Jamaican Rastafarian, a Black Panthert and an African ancestor. Their stories help to unpick the history, heroes and joys entangled in afro hair.
The poetic text has occasional rhymes that occur naturally without following a tight pattern. It’s a good picture book for reading aloud, and will be difficult to do so without being affected by the afro vibe.
“Yu want a mango, empress?”
The illustrator, Tom Rawles, has been well chosen and commissioned. His rich, colourful album cover style contributes to the book’s warm positivity.
Ask your independent bookshop to stock it. Or order direct from the publisher. Currently not listed by Waterstones.
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