Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Stories about interracial families are a very much in vogue today, and this friendly picture book is truly a welcome addition to the growing body of publications pertaining to the topic.

Author Lisa Dunn-Derns adorable first book, Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow, is what you term in French, "un vrai délice" (a true delight).
Dunn-Dern was a staff writer on the Fox Television series "ROC." She has also directed several large-scale children's theater productions.

The very young endearing narrator in the story provides readers with a brief glimpse into her life on Saturday mornings, when her mommy is off to her weekly hair salon ritual.
Written in simple, yet sufficiently descriptive and sensitive language, the author effectively captures the creative imagination of a small child, who figures out how to give her father new hair- styles, while mommy is at the hair salon. This is quite a challenge, as the father is partially bald!
The child also speculates what her mommy will look like when she returns home- "Will she have short curls or long braids or a fluffy ponytail?"

Illustrator Virgo Evans` vibrant and playful illustrations successfully capture the story's setting of this interracial family, as they deal with just one of their dissimilarities- their distinct hair-styles.
Moreover, the buoyant images are in perfect sync with the narrative, with their believable expressive faces and gestures. Their warm tones and cartoon style will definitely spur on identification with the story's family and their distinct hairdos.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow is an enchanting rendered book, and yes, there is a moral to this warm children's story that is delightfully delivered with a great deal of insightfulness and originality. It certainly will appeal to young picture book readers.

Norm Goldman, Editor Bookpleasures.com

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“A great, fun book depicting an interracial family. It’s refreshing to see an interracial family being displayed doing a normal routine. I hope the author keeps up this kind of series for kids. Great job!

Little kid reaction: S/He laughed at the pictures of Play-Doh hair the first time. We didn’t have much success trying to read it after the first round, though.

Big kid reaction: The story makes you laugh out loud. Part of the fun is thinking of how some of the “hairless” guys you’ve known might look in some of these hairdos.

Pros: The story is fun. It presents an inter-racial family in a way that just “is.” There’s no judgment, there’s no in-your-face message, it’s just a family that loves each other!

Borrow or buy: Buy! It’s a paperback, which some libraries won’t stock. If you can find it, and want a test drive, borrow it. The story will bring you at least a smile, if not a laugh, for many readings. We’re not giving up with our preschooler.

"Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow by Lisa Dunn-Dern is perfect for children aged four to eight. Large pages, big print and colorful, detailed images absorb young children¹s attention and spark imaginations.

Funny, sweet and intelligently written, with some light humor adults can enjoy as well, the book represents society as it really is - loving, interracial families and equality between sexes. Lisa accomplished this without lecturing but by showing a naturally happy family experiencing a special day. While Mommy goes to the salon, the little girl spends the time bonding with the father playing an imagination game of salon, but there¹s a catch - Daddy¹s nearly bald!"

-- Lillian Brummet, www.Bookideas.com –

Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)
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“This simple family tale is a fun read and a new twist on a normal weekend event. A routine of togetherness is something every family could use. Lisa Dunn-Dern has written a charming story that is sure to become a hit. Look for more from this author as this is said to be the first in a series of books about this family.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow is a great book for young readers, with engaging and colorful illustrations. Illustrator Virgo Evans and author Lisa Dunn-Dern have created a delightful picture book, a snapshot of American life.”

--Heather Froeschl, www.Bookideas.com

--Gerri Garner, radio talk show host, “Kaleidascope,” American Radio Network, April 2005

This story of a little girl who shares special Saturday rituals with her mom and dad reminds all of us how love and imagination enrich our lives.

--Judith Kantor, Librarian, Seeds University Laboratory Elementary School, UCLA Campus

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Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow is a warm and loving story about a little girl, her father and time well spent in a creative yet very special way. It reminds us to make rituals fun and special with the children in our lives. My 4-year-old says, “Read it again, Mommy,” over and over again.

An adorable feel-good story that you will love as much as your little ones. It is a touching glimpse into the life of a new-millenium family with old-fashioned values. I loved it.

Great book. Fun, positive, timeless. Compliments to the author for bringing so many elements into a simple children’s story. Creates conversation from many angles.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow by Lisa Dunn-Dern is a delightful story of everyday life, perfectly suited for children and adults. The story focuses on the sharing of a common personal experience in the life of all families. It’s a vivid, humorous story that enriches your appreciation of mundane routines, showing that our everyday lives are stories.

It's Only Ink!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

This adorable story will delight all readers. Appropriate for ages 4-8, Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow, is perfect for anyone any age. It's sure to promote healthy family traditions.

Jennifer LB Leese - Editor, Picket News