The Fairytale Hairdresser: Or How Rapunzel Got Her Prince! by Abie Longstaff and Lauren Beard(Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

January 2011, Corgi

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's, picture book 

Classical fairytale characters with an interesting take, hairdressing, the wonders and weirdness of fairytales, cheery personality, saving new friends, happiness, laughter, fairytale romance 

Summary from Random House Children's Books

Join Kitty Lacey, the fairytale hairdresser, as she tames the wildest of locks, deals with the most demanding and unusual of customers, ultimately foils the Witch’s evil plan and plays cupid to the newly coiffed Rapunzel. (A decent haircut really can work wonders!)

Nayuleska's thoughts

I think most of us are familiar with the popular fairytales involving Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, the Little Mermaid and many more. All of the mentioned have gorgeous hair. So it should be obvious that someone has to take care of those ladies. That someone is Kitty. 

Kitty herself is highly skilled, has an awesome hair colour scheme going on (pink & purple), has a cheery personality and isn't phased by her clients, even when she has unusual requests. I mention Red Riding Hood and the Little Mermaid because both of those get a mention with Kitty, who caters to their unique needs. 

Kitty is the heroine, for it is she who plays a vital role in Rapunzel's life. It could only be magic keeping Rapunzel alive and breathing in her nest of fuzzy, unkempt hair. Plus it was probably really hot and stuff too. It's a good thing that no job is too big for Kitty. Helping Rapunzel puts Kitty in danger, but it is Kitty herself who finds how to flee the wicked witch. Great things happen as a consequence of that escape, which lead to the stories we know so well being made. 

Picture books have two major focuses, the story (which is important to every single book) and the pictures. Pictures aren't in all books, so when they are present they need to make an impact on the reader. The impact on this book made me smile. I'd half-forgotten about this (I put books away when they arrive, so often I forget what they look like). I picked it up and thought 'Cute!' & 'Pink & sparkly!' Rapuzel's hair and the yellow border has glitter on it. It's so funky! There's glitter on the final page too, which is a stunning work by Kitty. I love the vibrant colours, how cool the fairytale characters look. It's a book that will make you smile, and make you feel warm on a cold, grey winter's day, or if you're feeling miserable it'll warm your heart. The pictures are ones which set off lots of ideas in the imagination. I looked at them and could quite easily get lost at imagining what all the fairytale girls do - Goldilocks is a locksmith, and as for Red Riding Hood, well you'll have to read to find out what her profession is. This is one awesome book that I'll definitely be re-reading!

Final conclusion 

This book belongs on the shelf of everyone who loves the following: pink, funky hairstyles, fairytale characters especially Rapunzel & Red Riding Hood and sparkles! 

Be sure to find out more about Abie's work on her website and Lauren on her website.

Recommended read: Princesses Are Not Perfect by Kate Lum and Sue Hellard (another fun occupation tale)
For older readers: Cinderella, From Fable Town with Love by Chris Robertson & Shawn McManus