PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: Wash Day with Mama by Monica Mikai
ABOUT THE BOOK
This stunning picture book takes a joyful look into the loving and long process of a hair wash day and the beautiful bond between a daughter and mother. Perfect for Mother’s Day or all year round!
I love Sundays, because Sundays are wash days. And wash days are just for us.
Filled with heartwarming illustrations, Wash Day with Mama centers on a little girl cherishing each step of their hair washing routine while Mama imparts her wisdom and stresses the importance of self-care, loving yourself, and being proud of who you are. The process of washing and taking care of Black hair takes time and effort, but this poignant story shows how it is an act of self-love and nurtures a special connection between mother and daughter.
For the Black community, washing their hair can feel like an event in and of itself, and that's why it has been christened "wash day." For many, wash day isn't just a routine, but an intimate ritual that is a symbol of self-love and pride. This self-care practice, although individual to the person, can root them in their culture and allow them to embrace generations of hair traditions. This book shows the love and care of washing Black hair and compels us to reflect on shared moments that we may take for granted.
REVIEW
Wash Day with Mama showcases the love between a mother and daughter as mama washes, treats, and styles the daughter's hair. Taking care of one's hair looks different depending on the type of hair one possesses. The young black girl in this story enjoys the bonding experience she has with her mother as they go through the lengthy process of cleaning, conditioning, and styling her hair. Beyond the theme of mother-daughter relationships, the story also highlights the importance of self-care, patience, and 'learning what works and what doesn't'. Mikai's lovely digital illustrations beautifully complement the tender, gentle story. The story doesn't just revolve around caring for the daughter's hair, but also the tender advice the mother gives about growing up and dealing with life's challenges. The symbolism inherent in the illustrations and the story provides great opportunities for discussion at home or at school. Highly recommended.
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