Braids & Buns, Ponies & Pigtails

May 15, 2016
Grades 4-7 From simple to chic, these 50 hairstyles range from everyday 'dos to party-worthy coifs. Strebe begins with a description of tools needed to create the styles and hair-care instructions for parents. The book is divided into four chapters: ponytails, braids, pigtails, and buns and twists. Each chapter contains 12 to 13 styles, described and illustrated in double-page spreads. The first page features three color photos of different girls wearing the style, its level of difficulty, the best hair types for it, and accessories needed. On page two, a list of required hair supplies precedes the directions, which are given via illustration and written step-by-step instructions; a Top Tip for unruly hair concludes. Strebe's book seems to be written for adults who might be styling a girl's hair, but tween readers on up will have no trouble using this guide themselves. Public libraries might pair this with Christina Butcher's teen title Braids, Buns, and Twists! (2013).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)