Tangle-Knot - by Loretta Ellsworth (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Tangle-knot is not a word, but it is Fia's hair. And Fia thinks it's perfect, which is why she refuses to brush it, even though her mom always complains it's a mess. In fact, it's more than a mess--it's a nest for a mother bird and her three colorful eggs! Fia takes excellent care of her birds and shows off her tangle-knot everywhere she goes, attracting lots of attention. As the spectacle grows, so does Mom's disapproval. But Fia's commitment to being herself just might be powerful enough to change her mother's mind. This whimsical story shines with lighthearted relatability, reminding us that even when our parents just don't get it, they always want us to be happy."--

Book Synopsis

Tangle-knot is not a word, but it is Fia's hair.

And Fia thinks it's perfect, which is why she refuses to brush it, even though her mom always complains it's a mess. In fact, it's more than a mess--it's a nest for a mother bird and her three colorful eggs!

Fia takes excellent care of her birds and shows off her tangle-knot everywhere she goes, attracting lots of attention. As the spectacle grows, so does Mom's disapproval. But Fia's commitment to being herself just might be powerful enough to change her mother's mind.

This whimsical story shines with lighthearted relatability, reminding us that even when our parents just don't get it, they always want us to be happy.

Review Quotes

"A whimsical story that young children will love to have read to them and which is filled with dynamic illustrations to keep them engaged. [...] Children will identify with a character who stays true to herself despite her mother's opinions on her hair."
--School Library Connection

"It's wonderful to see Fia given the agency to embrace her hair on her own terms, and it could easily launch a discussion on beauty standards. A sweet, silly story that will have any child resistant to combs and brushes cheering."
--Booklist

About the Author

Loretta Ellsworth has never had birds in her hair, though a cat climbed onto her head once when she was ten. She now has three grandsons and seven granddaughters, none of whom like to comb their hair. Loretta lives in Minnesota, where she writes full time and also enjoys playing tennis and reading. While she has created several books for older readers, this is her first picture book.

Annabel Tempest hates brushing her hair almost as much as Fia does. Some things she loves are swimming, collecting shiny things, and books, of which she has illustrated many, including Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket (Two Lions) and How to Change the World (Puffin). She lives in deepest Somerset in England with her husband, three huge growing boys, a slightly silly dog, and a cat that thinks it is the boss.