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Braids!
Ashley loves her beautiful hair -- but braiding it takes FOREVER. Maybe Grandma can help?
30 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
279 books1,680 followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 19, 2017
Robert Munsch tends to write stories for children to relate to, no matter their race, gender/sex, or background. Braids! is no exception.
Ashley does not want her hair braided and gives her mother a run for her money while applying them. After a while, she learns to love them and even attempts to get others, like her teacher, to get their head braided.
This story's a fine addition to Munsch's inclusive work. He writes with care for potential audiences and he's done his homework.
Ashley does not want her hair braided and gives her mother a run for her money while applying them. After a while, she learns to love them and even attempts to get others, like her teacher, to get their head braided.
This story's a fine addition to Munsch's inclusive work. He writes with care for potential audiences and he's done his homework.
January 19, 2017
Lessons I learned from Braids:
1) Only females of African-American descent look good in braids.
2) Caucasian females do not look good in braids.
3) It is OK to force your will on someone screaming "No!" because you believe it is best for them.
1) Only females of African-American descent look good in braids.
2) Caucasian females do not look good in braids.
3) It is OK to force your will on someone screaming "No!" because you believe it is best for them.
July 8, 2018
Why does Ashley think that her Caucasian teacher does not look good in braids? This picture book sends the message that only African American women can wear braids. And why doesn't Ashley's mother respect her wishes and just throw her daughter's hair in a ponytail and let her go outside to play?
July 17, 2020
I think it's a really cute story about passing along hairstyle traditions. There are braids for every hair type and every culture has hair traditions.
September 16, 2023
A lot of people seem to be mad at this after reading a few of the other reviews, lol it’s just a silly book — naturally her texture in single braids may not -.. never mind
October 18, 2018
This was another book I selected for my eight year old daughter and I to read together.
It is a story about a young African American girl who does not enjoy having her hair braided. With the help of her grandmother, she is able to physically express her sentiments to her mother, the person responsible for the painful process.
This book was interesting and funny. However, I must say, I was taken aback by the ending. Even my daughter was surprised when we read the line about the teacher's experience in the end. I am certain the line was a reflection of the author's beliefs and biases. However, I do not believe it was appropriate for the targeted audience of the book.
We have read other books by this author and like them. I love the fact that his books cover the experiences of young kids and the illustrations represent children of all races.
I gave this book 3.5 out of 5, but for Goodreads, I will round up to 4.
It is a story about a young African American girl who does not enjoy having her hair braided. With the help of her grandmother, she is able to physically express her sentiments to her mother, the person responsible for the painful process.
This book was interesting and funny. However, I must say, I was taken aback by the ending. Even my daughter was surprised when we read the line about the teacher's experience in the end. I am certain the line was a reflection of the author's beliefs and biases. However, I do not believe it was appropriate for the targeted audience of the book.
We have read other books by this author and like them. I love the fact that his books cover the experiences of young kids and the illustrations represent children of all races.
I gave this book 3.5 out of 5, but for Goodreads, I will round up to 4.
June 7, 2019
Now, I have read a few Robert Munsch books and I have even met him one occasion. His books are good and well-loved by young readers but with all due respect to this well-respected Canadian children's literature icon, Robert Munsch should not be writing this book. Braids! was a sensationalized take of an outsiders' view of Black hair and braiding practices. I get the joke, Ashley does not like to get her hair braided because it takes 2 hours and neither does her mother. I also like the illustration of grandma's surprise. But Black people hold a high regard and sacredness to hair.
Saying your hair is "a mess" and needs to get braided when it is not braided is just something we don't say or do. However, it takes the cake when her white teacher's hair gets braided and not only did the illustration not match the text, her hair was cornrowed and then made into an afro. When her students stare at her in disbelief, the text says "sometimes people just do not look good in braids." Oh really? Which people? White people? Or people who try to make their hair into afros. This book has missed the boat on some level about braids. There could be an opportunity to educate and/or celebrate but it's not that at all. I would have loved to see this book after a few good sensitivity reads and/or if Robert Munsch partnered with a Black author or natural hair care stylist in the re-written version.
Saying your hair is "a mess" and needs to get braided when it is not braided is just something we don't say or do. However, it takes the cake when her white teacher's hair gets braided and not only did the illustration not match the text, her hair was cornrowed and then made into an afro. When her students stare at her in disbelief, the text says "sometimes people just do not look good in braids." Oh really? Which people? White people? Or people who try to make their hair into afros. This book has missed the boat on some level about braids. There could be an opportunity to educate and/or celebrate but it's not that at all. I would have loved to see this book after a few good sensitivity reads and/or if Robert Munsch partnered with a Black author or natural hair care stylist in the re-written version.
September 17, 2020
This is such a sweet, fun story about black hairstyles with precious illustrations to pair with it. The story follows a little girl who gets her braids done by her mom. While lamenting how long it took, her grandmother helps her catch her mom so they can enact some beautiful payback by giving Ashley's mom a beautiful 'do. When her teacher comes along to admire their hair, Ashley is enthusiastic to share her culture with her teacher and ends up giving her some braids too!
All in all, this is a nice book. While it may not have a lesson or message to impart, it goes a long way in normalizing black hairstyles as well as showing healthy familial relationships in black households, two very important and underrepresented fields in media and literature.
All in all, this is a nice book. While it may not have a lesson or message to impart, it goes a long way in normalizing black hairstyles as well as showing healthy familial relationships in black households, two very important and underrepresented fields in media and literature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2013
A cute story of how a young girl did not enjoy having her mom braid her hair (it takes hours and hours). This lovely book is illustrated by children of Sir Isaac Brock Public School and is dedicated to the children of Bukati Primaryr School in Kenya.
May 19, 2021
This gem warmed my heart!! I remember growing up in the 80s and being told that my braids looked like worms. So, I am so happy that kids today have a beautiful story that promotes that art and beauty of having braids!!
April 27, 2016
Very short story. The kids noticed a different illustrator which was interesting.
January 1, 2019
This book was okay, but I had some issues with it.
So, first I'll state the things that I liked about it:
I loved the illustrations; they were new and fresh and beautiful. I also loved how the illustrator incorporated the dog, and the cat into every single scene and they were doing something silly. Those animals had a lot of character for things that didn't have an active part in the story. I also thought it was a pretty funny story.
The things I did not like too much:
I didn't like the fact that they forced the teacher to get braids put into her hair, and they decided that it wasn't as pretty on her; everyone didn't tell her, they all just looked at her funny when it seemed that her teacher thought she looked beautiful and would rock them the next day at school. Let her feel pretty! Sure some things don't work for a lot of people, but if she likes the braids, let her be!
Another thing was that the story was very repetitive, it could have been cut at least a little bit, like the ending with the teacher, for example.
And the last thing, I didn't like the fact that Ashley stated that she did not want braids in her hair and her mother forced her to get them anyway because "mother knows best." It's hair, other things sure, but if your kid doesn't want braids in her hair she doesn't need them, it's not going to be the end of the world. Yeah sure, they would have looked better, but don't force a child to do something they don't want to do.
Children have a right to say no too.
Those are just my two cents though.
So, first I'll state the things that I liked about it:
I loved the illustrations; they were new and fresh and beautiful. I also loved how the illustrator incorporated the dog, and the cat into every single scene and they were doing something silly. Those animals had a lot of character for things that didn't have an active part in the story. I also thought it was a pretty funny story.
The things I did not like too much:
I didn't like the fact that they forced the teacher to get braids put into her hair, and they decided that it wasn't as pretty on her; everyone didn't tell her, they all just looked at her funny when it seemed that her teacher thought she looked beautiful and would rock them the next day at school. Let her feel pretty! Sure some things don't work for a lot of people, but if she likes the braids, let her be!
Another thing was that the story was very repetitive, it could have been cut at least a little bit, like the ending with the teacher, for example.
And the last thing, I didn't like the fact that Ashley stated that she did not want braids in her hair and her mother forced her to get them anyway because "mother knows best." It's hair, other things sure, but if your kid doesn't want braids in her hair she doesn't need them, it's not going to be the end of the world. Yeah sure, they would have looked better, but don't force a child to do something they don't want to do.
Children have a right to say no too.
Those are just my two cents though.
June 18, 2020
I feel that you do not under our African American culture. For people who are experienced in braiding it does not take all day to get your hair done. It is very simple for Caucasians because you just wash and go but our hair takes time, love, and precision. I have no idea where you received your concept from to create this offensive book but it's a 0 star for me coming from the African American point of view. The fact that the girl is screaming and running from her mom and the expressions on the kids faces when they seen the teachers hair was a state of shock! I could never write a children's book based on another human being heritage unless it was a biography; which meant you did extensive research. This book is a disrespectful racist opinion that you have about our race.
August 11, 2023
Braids is a terrific young/early readers book! My nieces and nephew have asked me to read it repeatedly over the past two days. It is about a young girl whose hair is braided and it takes two hours. Then her grandmother visits and braids the mother's hair---it takes three hours. Then the teacher's hair gets braided.
Many children's books are read online at Storytime at Awnie's House. Each page of the book is shown and the words are narrated fabulously. There are over 233 video books and almost 900k subscribers. It is free and extremely well done. We watched/read this book and many other books on Awnie's House.
Many children's books are read online at Storytime at Awnie's House. Each page of the book is shown and the words are narrated fabulously. There are over 233 video books and almost 900k subscribers. It is free and extremely well done. We watched/read this book and many other books on Awnie's House.
August 18, 2019
As other reviewers mentioned, I had some problems with this book as well. I feel like the "I have to braid your hair because it's a mess" part of the plot is kind of insulting, because anyone should be able to wear their natural hair outside to do things..
Also, the whole part about the white teacher getting braids done just rubbed me the wrong way - as another reviewer mentioned, the illustration showed more of an afro instead of braids as well.
Not a great story, I know Robert Munsch has produced many others that are much better
Also, the whole part about the white teacher getting braids done just rubbed me the wrong way - as another reviewer mentioned, the illustration showed more of an afro instead of braids as well.
Not a great story, I know Robert Munsch has produced many others that are much better
April 23, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Grade Level: K-3rd grade
I can relate to this book. I hated when my mom tried to braid my hair. Any little girl identify with this story. The book is funny and delightful. I would recommend this book for any little girl. The grandmother and granddaughter chased the mother around the house when they wanted to braid her hair. The mother acted as child as she ran throughout the house screaming at the top of her lungs.
Grade Level: K-3rd grade
I can relate to this book. I hated when my mom tried to braid my hair. Any little girl identify with this story. The book is funny and delightful. I would recommend this book for any little girl. The grandmother and granddaughter chased the mother around the house when they wanted to braid her hair. The mother acted as child as she ran throughout the house screaming at the top of her lungs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2020
This book is so cute for little girls who struggle with their mom constantly doing their hair! Throughout the entire story, the dog is doing something funny. The story doesn't narrate the dog, but he is doing something on every page! It is funny because as Ashley struggled with getting her hair braided, her grandma tells her that she used to do it to her mom as a child. This resulted in Ashley and her grandma braiding her moms hair!
March 3, 2025
A young girl named Ashley hates when her mom braids her hair. Her mom has to chase her around the house to catch her When her mom is done, Ashley loves the way her hair looks. Ashley tells her grandma she is upset because braiding her hair takes all day long. Her and her grandma decide to braid her mom's hair.
I would use this book in my class to teach my students that even though they might not like doing something, it will be worth it in the end.
I would use this book in my class to teach my students that even though they might not like doing something, it will be worth it in the end.
January 19, 2020
This book was a joy to read! The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the art style of the illustrator. I found a lot of humor in these pages, especially looking at the animals in the background. Simply wonderful! I also found it hilarious that what was once a nuisance for the main character became a game and a way that she could share her identity with others.
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March 22, 2023This book is about a little girl who has to get her hair braided because her mom wants her hair to look nice. Ashley ran from her mother because she hated braids. Ashley loved her hair when it was finish. Ashley was upset because he braiding process took too long. Ashley's mom ended up getting her hair braided as well. Even Ashley's teacher got her hair braided but other people did not like that.
January 19, 2017
Lessons I learned from Braids:
1) Only females of African-American descent look good in braids.
2) Caucasian females do not look good in braids.
3) It is OK to force your will on someone screaming "No!" because you believe it is best for them.
1) Only females of African-American descent look good in braids.
2) Caucasian females do not look good in braids.
3) It is OK to force your will on someone screaming "No!" because you believe it is best for them.
March 29, 2022
Maddie’s library selection, probably because I’ve been doing a lot of braiding of her hair lately (though far less fancy!)
They loved they the back and forth, up and down, and round and round parts.
They loved they the back and forth, up and down, and round and round parts.
October 31, 2018
Pretty sweet and short story for kid's....
May 29, 2019
This book was really cute. Touched on some cultural things. Possibly use in a text set about family traditions.
October 18, 2019
My granddaughter loves to read this with me over and over again, so it’s a huge success at our house! A fun read with a child...
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January 2, 2020This book is hillarrrrrriiiioouusss!
I read it through YouTube and it is soooooo funny!!! I loved it!
I read it through YouTube and it is soooooo funny!!! I loved it!
March 23, 2020
I like that Munsch’s stories are about children he met. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as his other books, but it’s fun.
April 26, 2020
I am giving this book 5 stars coz that describes my childhood. That's how I learnt making braids.
December 14, 2021
Story of passing down the braids in the family.
February 27, 2022
Ashley had crazy hair and her mom wanted to braid it. She avoided her mom for as long as she could, but finally she got caught and started to get her hair braided. When she finished she loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews