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Don't Touch My Hair!
An entertaining picture book that teaches the importance of asking for permission first as a young girl attempts to escape the curious hands that want to touch her hair.
It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she’s chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens…until, finally, Aria has had enough!
Author-illustrator Sharee Miller takes the tradition of appreciation of black hair to a new, fresh, level as she doesn’t seek to convince or remind young readers that their curls are beautiful–she simply acknowledges black beauty while telling a fun, imaginative story.
It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she’s chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens…until, finally, Aria has had enough!
Author-illustrator Sharee Miller takes the tradition of appreciation of black hair to a new, fresh, level as she doesn’t seek to convince or remind young readers that their curls are beautiful–she simply acknowledges black beauty while telling a fun, imaginative story.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2018
23 people are currently reading
1,157 people want to read
About the author
Sharee Miller
24 books50 followersSharee Miller has a BFA in communication design from Pratt Institute. She lives in Brooklyn, where she enjoys spending time with her two cats and illustrating fun stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
July 28, 2019
A fun and joyful look at a serious topic as Aria deals with microaggressions and invasions of her personal space because of her beautiful and bounteous hair. This would be a great teaching tool for youngsters, and, probably way too many older people also.
Adults should also check out Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers.
Adults should also check out Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers.
March 25, 2023
Really good book about respecting people's boundaries and autonomy (including children).
We're human, not freaking animals to pet y'all.
We're human, not freaking animals to pet y'all.
December 18, 2018
Aria loves her curly hair, but she doesn't love everyone trying to touch it without her permission. Desperately, she tries to find places to hide where people will stop trying to touch it and respect her personal space. From swimming with mermaids, to hiding in a castle with a dragon, Aria cannot escape (the dragon even tells her "Girl, your hair is FIERCE!" much to her chagrin). Once she realizes she cannot avoid the world, she learns ways to tell people "no."
This is an excellent book for kids (and teens, adults, etc. whomever needs to read it) about personal space. Kids are allowed to tell others "no" to physical contact, and no one should feel comfortable just touching someone's hair!
-Amanda
http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola...
This is an excellent book for kids (and teens, adults, etc. whomever needs to read it) about personal space. Kids are allowed to tell others "no" to physical contact, and no one should feel comfortable just touching someone's hair!
-Amanda
http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola...
March 6, 2019
Sharee Miller, the talented author/illustrator behind the recent
Princess Hair
, returns to the topic of tresses in this new picture-book. Aria loves her soft and bouncy hair, which grows toward the sun like a flower. The problem is, everyone else loves it too, and is forever touching it. Attempting to escape the hordes of people (and creatures!) intent on touching what they shouldn't, she ends up on a desert island. Can she find a way to return to society, but maintain her personal boundaries...?
An engaging story is joined to cute, appealing artwork in Don't Touch My Hair!, which offers a creative, fairy-tale take on a common childhood problem: respecting personal, bodily boundaries. The importance of teaching young people about their right to reject unwanted touching (of any kind), and to respect other's similar right not to be touched, is something Miller addresses in her brief afterword, in which she hopes her book can be used to further this goal. I think it can do just that, and because it is entertaining and non-judgmental, it can do so in a way that is most helpful. Recommended to fans of Miller's artwork, and to anyone searching for children's stories about setting and respecting personal boundaries.
An engaging story is joined to cute, appealing artwork in Don't Touch My Hair!, which offers a creative, fairy-tale take on a common childhood problem: respecting personal, bodily boundaries. The importance of teaching young people about their right to reject unwanted touching (of any kind), and to respect other's similar right not to be touched, is something Miller addresses in her brief afterword, in which she hopes her book can be used to further this goal. I think it can do just that, and because it is entertaining and non-judgmental, it can do so in a way that is most helpful. Recommended to fans of Miller's artwork, and to anyone searching for children's stories about setting and respecting personal boundaries.
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December 22, 2018I'm not rating this one because it's for kids, so obviously who cares what I think of it?
This book does have that kid book thing, the full-page explanation of why the book was written at the end. We JUST read an entire book that's about a girl who is telling readers that it's tough to have hair that's interesting to others at times, and it's okay to tell them No, they can't touch it. Which is great, but then there's a full page of like, "I wrote this book because sometimes people wanted to touch my hair, and I didn't know how to say No."
I think that message comes through pretty clearly. Crystal clear. It's in the title and most subsequent pages. I think it's so funny that kids books does this so often. These pages are clearly for the parents because why would a kid read them? And if the kid DID read them, I think even a kid would be like, Um, yeah. That's the story I got from the story.
This book does have that kid book thing, the full-page explanation of why the book was written at the end. We JUST read an entire book that's about a girl who is telling readers that it's tough to have hair that's interesting to others at times, and it's okay to tell them No, they can't touch it. Which is great, but then there's a full page of like, "I wrote this book because sometimes people wanted to touch my hair, and I didn't know how to say No."
I think that message comes through pretty clearly. Crystal clear. It's in the title and most subsequent pages. I think it's so funny that kids books does this so often. These pages are clearly for the parents because why would a kid read them? And if the kid DID read them, I think even a kid would be like, Um, yeah. That's the story I got from the story.
February 6, 2019
I can relate to this book as well as my preteen and granddaughter. Oh and don't forget the beads that shake and all the kids love the sound it makes . I love how all the different hands go around the page bc we all felt like they coming for you. This book teach you to learn to respect and just look at the hair but NO Touching!! Beautiful illustrations!!
November 23, 2018
Aria loves her fluffy hair. Other people love it, too, and they want to feel its texture. But those people touch without asking, which makes Aria uncomfortable. She tries to escape by fleeing to the ocean, the jungle, and even a fairy tale castle, but everywhere she goes others try to touch her hair. Finally, Aria learns to stand up for herself and say, "No! You cannot touch my hair."
This is an adorable picture book about respecting personal boundaries, learning it's okay to say "no", and also to be okay being told "no." Very bright, fun illustrations.
This is an adorable picture book about respecting personal boundaries, learning it's okay to say "no", and also to be okay being told "no." Very bright, fun illustrations.
January 23, 2019
A cute book for kids to learn that it is ok to set boundaries and to be different. This book is about a little girl with natural hair that has grown big. People always come to her to ask if "They can touch her hair" and hardly ever asks without touching first. This books shows that it is ok to have to big hair, to say no and to set boundaries for those who enter your personal space.
September 27, 2019
YESSSS I HAVE SHAMELESSLY ADDED THIS 21 PAGE PICTURE BOOK TO MY “READS” 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽.
It’s all about balance and HEY, this is the cutest book about all us black women who have endured the curiosity of other races with happy hands 😹😹😹!!!
It’s all about balance and HEY, this is the cutest book about all us black women who have endured the curiosity of other races with happy hands 😹😹😹!!!
December 5, 2019
Hoping this will help her to deal with constant comments about her red hair and blue eyes, respect personal space (other people's bubbles), and not be racist.
September 8, 2019
I read this F&G today with two kinders who saw themselves represented in the pages and cover of this book, and they LOVED it! Empowers young girls to feel the beauty of their natural hair & to feel ok standing up for themselves if something makes them uncomfortable. A definite must-purchase for my school library.
March 24, 2019
I don't usually add the kids books I read to my children (too many to record), but this is a really good one. It teaches about feelings and boundary setting in a way that is relatable to young readers. The illustrations are also beautiful.
December 4, 2018
LOVEEEEEEEEDDDDDD this one even more than Princess Hair. Definitely something I will be purchasing for myself! Such a cute book and really cute illustrations!
August 10, 2019
I so appreciate the conversations this can spark about consent, boundaries, and respecting others and ourselves.
May 5, 2021
a great wee story about the importance of consent.
KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF!
KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF!
June 11, 2021
A delightfully fun way to teach kids about asking permission, boundaries, and mutual respect. The humor and imaginative range is brilliantly channelled to address a very serious topic. Lots of adults could use this book. Rowan wholeheartedly approves!
March 30, 2019
It came as a surprise to me when I first learned that this is a common occurrence for black women--surely it's common sense to keep your hands to yourself? Apparently not. So, unfortunately, this book needs to exist, and fortunately, it is well done, with bright watercolors and a cute story.
February 24, 2020
I adore this book.
My foster daughters with coily hair love this book and quote it while playing dolls.
Adorable illustration, fun writing and an empowering message about body autonomy and curly-hair love.
My foster daughters with coily hair love this book and quote it while playing dolls.
Adorable illustration, fun writing and an empowering message about body autonomy and curly-hair love.
January 18, 2019
Conveys an important message in a fun, playful way. Would be good for preschool storytime.
April 27, 2023
Sharee Miller’s picturebook, Don’t Touch My Hair!, may not have won any awards (at least that I am aware of), but it has been recommended to me by several educators, some of whom were classmates of mine at National Louis. I read a digital version on the Chicago Public Library website.
The story follows little Aria, a young girl who loves her soft, curly, and bouncy locks. However, her beautiful head of hair seems to come with a strange consequence - everyone else, including a giant purple dragon and little green aliens, wants to touch her hair. Aria tries to escape the unwanted invasion of her personal space but finds that being away from others makes her lonely. Finally, Aria learns how to say “no” and learns how to articulate her needs as people around her learn the importance of asking permission.
Don’t Touch My Hair! feels like a short read, even at 32 pages. I believe this is due to the frequent use of two panel illustrations and the lack of text on the page. The lack of text is not a negative aspect, and actually makes the story feel focused and concise. It also lets Miller’s illustrations do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of telling the story. Some of the text almost feels like a caption, offering the reader a bit of context for what they are seeing. The illustrations are very strong and manage to capture the emotion being expressed in every scene. What I loved most about the illustrations is that there is a cohesion in character design. Things like color choice and facial features don’t shift page to page. Miller instead keeps everything, especially the design for Aria, consistent throughout the book. Each illustration feels like it belongs in the wonderful world Miller has crafted.
Because of the simple sentences and basic construction of the story, I think this book would be best suited for younger readers - perhaps 1st to 3rd grade. However, the relevance of the topic (black and people of color’s hair) would make this a great text to use for middle grade students as the picturebook could be used to discuss issues associated with how society views the hair of marginalized people. This book would make a great mirror for black students (as well as other BIPOC students) as it touches on the issues our students may face, such as standards of beauty and how non BIPOC individuals react to black hair. It may also act as a window for others, revealing these issues to those unfamiliar with them and teaching a valuable lesson about personal space.
(I’m adding a link to a YouTube video of the picturebook for anyone interested in using this in their own classroom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OItfX...)
The story follows little Aria, a young girl who loves her soft, curly, and bouncy locks. However, her beautiful head of hair seems to come with a strange consequence - everyone else, including a giant purple dragon and little green aliens, wants to touch her hair. Aria tries to escape the unwanted invasion of her personal space but finds that being away from others makes her lonely. Finally, Aria learns how to say “no” and learns how to articulate her needs as people around her learn the importance of asking permission.
Don’t Touch My Hair! feels like a short read, even at 32 pages. I believe this is due to the frequent use of two panel illustrations and the lack of text on the page. The lack of text is not a negative aspect, and actually makes the story feel focused and concise. It also lets Miller’s illustrations do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of telling the story. Some of the text almost feels like a caption, offering the reader a bit of context for what they are seeing. The illustrations are very strong and manage to capture the emotion being expressed in every scene. What I loved most about the illustrations is that there is a cohesion in character design. Things like color choice and facial features don’t shift page to page. Miller instead keeps everything, especially the design for Aria, consistent throughout the book. Each illustration feels like it belongs in the wonderful world Miller has crafted.
Because of the simple sentences and basic construction of the story, I think this book would be best suited for younger readers - perhaps 1st to 3rd grade. However, the relevance of the topic (black and people of color’s hair) would make this a great text to use for middle grade students as the picturebook could be used to discuss issues associated with how society views the hair of marginalized people. This book would make a great mirror for black students (as well as other BIPOC students) as it touches on the issues our students may face, such as standards of beauty and how non BIPOC individuals react to black hair. It may also act as a window for others, revealing these issues to those unfamiliar with them and teaching a valuable lesson about personal space.
(I’m adding a link to a YouTube video of the picturebook for anyone interested in using this in their own classroom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OItfX...)
April 24, 2024
This is another beautifully illustrated book by Sharee Miller that I wanted to read after reading her graphic novel Curlfriends: New in Town and her other children's picture book Princess Hair!
In this colorful and humorous story, Aria has had enough of people wanting to touch her hair. From the people in her community, monkeys, mermaids, dragons, and aliens, Aria doesn't want anyone touching her big, fierce, free, bouncy, and oh so soft afro. She even travels underwater and as far as outer space to avoid being petted, but at last she learns to just say "no".
I think this picture book, like Miller mentioned in her author's note, is a great way to introduce children to boundaries and teach them how to set boundaries for themselves. The whole book is full of vibrant colors throughout but the mermaid page was definitely my favorite. I think this book might even be good enough to read for storytime too!
In this colorful and humorous story, Aria has had enough of people wanting to touch her hair. From the people in her community, monkeys, mermaids, dragons, and aliens, Aria doesn't want anyone touching her big, fierce, free, bouncy, and oh so soft afro. She even travels underwater and as far as outer space to avoid being petted, but at last she learns to just say "no".
I think this picture book, like Miller mentioned in her author's note, is a great way to introduce children to boundaries and teach them how to set boundaries for themselves. The whole book is full of vibrant colors throughout but the mermaid page was definitely my favorite. I think this book might even be good enough to read for storytime too!
August 17, 2021
I've been following Sharee Miller's artwork on Instagram for years and have been wanting to read her children's books for a while so I was pretty happy to see that my library had this particular book available online.
As a black woman I've dealt with people asking to touch and always felt uncomfortable and awkward. I eventually learned to say "no thank you" and never regretted denying their request. I know some people are just curious about black hair because it looks unique and don't have any malicious intent but everyone should accept the reality that hair is still a part of someone's body. We don't have free access to put our hands on anybody.
I appreciate the message about setting boundaries for yourself and also being respectful of other people's boundaries as well. This is definitely an important lesson that should be taught starting from childhood. I think many children who pick up this book would be able to understand if parents and teachers take the time to explain.
As a black woman I've dealt with people asking to touch and always felt uncomfortable and awkward. I eventually learned to say "no thank you" and never regretted denying their request. I know some people are just curious about black hair because it looks unique and don't have any malicious intent but everyone should accept the reality that hair is still a part of someone's body. We don't have free access to put our hands on anybody.
I appreciate the message about setting boundaries for yourself and also being respectful of other people's boundaries as well. This is definitely an important lesson that should be taught starting from childhood. I think many children who pick up this book would be able to understand if parents and teachers take the time to explain.
August 6, 2019
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Body: Hair
The artwork. The chase scene. The well-to-do disregard for someone else's body. Miller perfectly captures the frustration that people of color experience when up against the grubby fingers of intrigued strangers. A perfect book for discussing bodily autonomy/integrity and sticking up for yourself--and an extra star is given for keeping my 2-year-old engaged.
Body: Hair
The artwork. The chase scene. The well-to-do disregard for someone else's body. Miller perfectly captures the frustration that people of color experience when up against the grubby fingers of intrigued strangers. A perfect book for discussing bodily autonomy/integrity and sticking up for yourself--and an extra star is given for keeping my 2-year-old engaged.
October 5, 2019
A fun book that I can definitely relate to. We are all different and we are all curious and it seems like curiosity often leads to touching, whether it’s hair or something else. The imaginary elements in this book felt unneeded to me and distracted a little from the very real issue and experience of this girl. That being said, I like this as a message about respecting others and about standing up for yourself and your boundaries.
February 5, 2020
Loved this. The main character is terrific, and it’s a great model for setting boundaries for yourself, and for learning about boundaries and how to accept “no” from others. I don’t know what it is about our culture where children/people aren’t taught from the beginning to respect other people’s bodies, but they often aren’t. When I was expecting my first (only) child, complete strangers would come up to me and touch my stomach. I hated that, and found it outrageous, and wish *I* had just yelled loudly “DON’T TOUCH ME!”
January 28, 2021
This was my favorite book I read this week! I loved the deeper lesson behind the story other than not allowing people to touch her hair. The idea of setting boundaries with people and them being okay with you saying no is something I struggle with even being 23 years old. The illustrations were bright and fun throughout the story. Some of the characters were unrealistic and that’s interesting and engaging for younger students!
October 5, 2019
This book is pretty perfect. Engaging illustrations, just enough text, and an important message. My only wish was that it address what the girl would do if someone didn’t respect her saying no. But that could be asking for too much out of a picture book. Still, a necessary discussion to have after reading.
February 18, 2020
Books about hair, but especially those managing curly hair, have always been relatable for me. That is exactly how I felt with this picture-book —- it mirrored my own life situations of me having to tell people to back off of my hair.
It is nice how reading a simple book can help you feel like you have a friend at all times. No one is every alone is they find the right “mirror” to look into.
It is nice how reading a simple book can help you feel like you have a friend at all times. No one is every alone is they find the right “mirror” to look into.
April 2, 2024
A really good book on boundaries and consent that young children can understand. It shows the micro aggressions many young black children face, but the story is told more simply. It is important to be able to say No. Your body belongs to yourself. It is okay to be told No. Ask first and Respect a No.
December 13, 2019
This is a children’s picture book about a young girl with really curly hair. Everyone seems to want to touch her hair to feel its texture, but people will just touch it without respecting her personal space. Eventually she gets really frustrated and bursts out asking people to ask her first!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews