Geo Librarian- Book Review of Only a Trenza Away

Picture Book Review

Xiomara loves having her father braid her hair each night before bed. Not only does he braid her hair, but he tells her stories where her braids (trends) play a key role as jump ropes, jungle vines, or tightropes. But when he doesn't make it home in time to get her braids done, Xiomara feels a bit lost without him. Without her father's assistance, her confidence in facing adventures wavers. When her father arrives the next night, she runs to him in tears with her brush stuck in her hair.  He offers her the reassurance and tender care that she needs to bolster her confidence as he reminds that someday she will be able to braid her own hair.  A tender story of the love between a father and daughter, and the joys to be found in sharing stories. The symbolism to be found in each strand of the braid is used to remind Xiomara of the love she carries within herself…