A Coretta Scott King Award Winner for Illustration
A Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies

Every design has a name and means something in the powerful past and present richness of the Black tradition.Mama’s and Great-Grammaw’s gentle fingers weave the design, and their lulling voices weave the tale, as they braid their children’s hair into the striking cornrow patterns of Africa.

“Camille Yarbrough captures the warmth of family affection and the pride of our rich heritage in a story that’s superbly illustrated by Carole Byard.” —Essence

“Camille Yarbrough is a poet, griot and storyteller who has crafted a special, rhythmic and moving story for you and yours. . . . The illustrations by Carole Byard dignify and give all due respect to the story.” —Council on Interracial Books for Children