‘Hair’ by L.A. Shaw is an amusing and irreverent children's fiction book. The main character Teddy Wackett as he spots a strange man stealing the hair off dogs in a local park and uncovers a larger, hairier mystery. As the reader we are taken around the town and introduced to the rather eccentric hairdressers and what’s so great about hair and why it’s the focus of this mad-cap story. This book is adventurous, and there’s plenty of action to keep younger readers entertained from the first page to the last. I liked Teddy, and I’m sure that some younger readers will relate to his aversion to showering. The whole cast of characters are colourfully described with detail. I think readers will find the plot of this book funny and enjoyable. I personally particularly liked Mr Wackett’s reaction to his sudden surge of hair growth. Throughout ‘Hair’ there’s plenty of amusing illustrations by Sarah Reeve that I think will have wide appeal, in a style I found quite similar to Quentin Blake or Tony Ross. I think the combination of the short chapters and engaging illustrations could make this a book that could be read as a family, with younger siblings following the pictures or parents helping with the text. At around 80 pages ‘Hair’ is a relatively short story but perfectly formed and packed full of adventure, humour and entertainment that I’m sure readers from 8 upwards will enjoy.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
