PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: Only a Trenza Away written by Nadine Fonseca, illustrated by Camila Carrosone
ABOUT THE BOOK
Every night, Xiomara's (zee-oh-MA-da) papa delicately braids her hair before bed. As he gently tugs and twists and tightens her hair, father and daughter embark on imaginative and fun adventures as he makes up stories about Xia and her trenzas, or "braids" in Spanish.
In one story, her trenza becomes a sturdy twisted vine that she uses to bravely swing through the jungle. In another, her trenzas are jump ropes as she catches the beat to play double Dutch with the best players in the neighborhood.
But Xia worries what she would do if Papa was not there to help her in a real adventure—like starting a new school. Could the strength Xia needs already be woven into her braids?
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. The use of something tangible to remind Xiomara of her heritage and how much she's loved helps remind her of the support she has as she faces life's adventures. The bright, colorful, and imaginative illustrations are eye-catching and appealing. The inspiration for the story and a brief history of braiding is included in the author's note at the end of the story. An inspiring, sweet story that could very well be the beginning of a family tradition in reading together and/or braiding hair.
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