Description

Book Synopsis

"I love my hair and one day I will be brave enough to say so!"

Meet Wanda, with her beautiful hair. She is unhappy because the boys on the bus tease her.

But Grandmother Makhulu has the answer...Through Makhulu's stories and hair secrets, Wanda realises that her hair is her crown - an important part of her and something to be very proud of.

This is a heartwarming, inspiring story about beauty and identity - and being proud of who you are.



Trade Review

"Heartwarming and uplifting, with themes of self-confidence and identity."

* The Bookseller *

"A beautiful book which will help anyone who feels pressurised about themselves and their identity."

-- Sue Martin * The Book Monitor *

"Vibrant and moving picture book story for EYFS and KS1 children. Tackling difficult subject matter with sensitivity, such as anti-bullying, self-confidence and heritage, this is a valuable text to read and discuss in PSHE lessons."

-- Tom Tolkien * School Reading List *

"This heartfelt look at how society can drain the positivity instilled by a loving family, is a powerful reminder that everyone has the right to feel confident to celebrate their culture and that we should all share in that celebration rather than attempt to undermine it. The broad themes of the story – self belief and kindness, with its compelling, vibrant illustrations, make this a book to share with primary classes wherever they are."

* Red Reading Hub *

"A powerful picture book by Sihle Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali about overcoming bullying through self-confidence, family love…and hair-styling."

-- Lucy Chambers * Bookish *

“A heart-warming story about learning to love who you are, how you look, and where you come from, despite others' opinions."

* BookTrust (Book of the Day) *

“This book is about identity and beauty, celebrating how cultural pride is learned and passed on over generations.”

* Primary Times *

"This book is uplifting and an absolute gem."

* We Read and Spark, via Instagram *

"This book celebrates cultural and family pride and encourages any young reader who might feel self conscious about their appearance to be proud of who they are. Set in South Africa with a glossary of Xhosa words used in the story, it will make a good contribution to the class or school library, to be shared by children from 5 upwards.”

* The English Association Reviews *

"A touching picture book about a little girl made miserable by teasing about her hair. She needs her grandmother’s “magical mist” of olive oil to make it into a triumphant crown. Vivid, double-page pictures by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne make this a treat."

* The New Statesman - Best Children's Books of 2022 *

Wanda

    Product form

    £11.69

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £12.99 – you save £1.30 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 25 Jul 2026.

    A Hardback by Sihle Nontshokweni, Mathabo Tlali, Chantelle & Burgen Thorne

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Wanda by Sihle Nontshokweni

      Publisher: Otter-Barry Books Ltd
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 07/04/2022
      ISBN13: 9781913074470, 978-1913074470
      ISBN10: 1913074471

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      "I love my hair and one day I will be brave enough to say so!"

      Meet Wanda, with her beautiful hair. She is unhappy because the boys on the bus tease her.

      But Grandmother Makhulu has the answer...Through Makhulu's stories and hair secrets, Wanda realises that her hair is her crown - an important part of her and something to be very proud of.

      This is a heartwarming, inspiring story about beauty and identity - and being proud of who you are.



      Trade Review

      "Heartwarming and uplifting, with themes of self-confidence and identity."

      * The Bookseller *

      "A beautiful book which will help anyone who feels pressurised about themselves and their identity."

      -- Sue Martin * The Book Monitor *

      "Vibrant and moving picture book story for EYFS and KS1 children. Tackling difficult subject matter with sensitivity, such as anti-bullying, self-confidence and heritage, this is a valuable text to read and discuss in PSHE lessons."

      -- Tom Tolkien * School Reading List *

      "This heartfelt look at how society can drain the positivity instilled by a loving family, is a powerful reminder that everyone has the right to feel confident to celebrate their culture and that we should all share in that celebration rather than attempt to undermine it. The broad themes of the story – self belief and kindness, with its compelling, vibrant illustrations, make this a book to share with primary classes wherever they are."

      * Red Reading Hub *

      "A powerful picture book by Sihle Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali about overcoming bullying through self-confidence, family love…and hair-styling."

      -- Lucy Chambers * Bookish *

      “A heart-warming story about learning to love who you are, how you look, and where you come from, despite others' opinions."

      * BookTrust (Book of the Day) *

      “This book is about identity and beauty, celebrating how cultural pride is learned and passed on over generations.”

      * Primary Times *

      "This book is uplifting and an absolute gem."

      * We Read and Spark, via Instagram *

      "This book celebrates cultural and family pride and encourages any young reader who might feel self conscious about their appearance to be proud of who they are. Set in South Africa with a glossary of Xhosa words used in the story, it will make a good contribution to the class or school library, to be shared by children from 5 upwards.”

      * The English Association Reviews *

      "A touching picture book about a little girl made miserable by teasing about her hair. She needs her grandmother’s “magical mist” of olive oil to make it into a triumphant crown. Vivid, double-page pictures by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne make this a treat."

      * The New Statesman - Best Children's Books of 2022 *

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