7 children's books about Rastafarian culture
Author Jessica Wilson shares seven children's books that explore the connections between Black hair, African heritage and Rastafarian culture – from stories celebrating locs and natural hair to tales rooted in Jamaican folklore and tradition.
"Many stories are held in the kinks and curls of Afro hair, among them is Rastafari culture.
Born in Jamaica in the 1930s, Rastafari grew from a history of colonialism, slavery and desire among Black people to reclaim an African identity of pride and freedom.
From picture books that celebrate locs, to stories introducing young readers to Jamaica, reggae and Rastafarian culture, children's literature can help us understand that afro hair is not just tendrils. Our beautiful, gravity-defying spirals carry history, identity, symbolism, power, culture and resistance."
Jessica Wilson, author of Rasta Granny's Rainbow
Sofia the Dreamer and Her Magical Afro written by Jessica Wilson and illustrated by Tom Rawles (5+)
My first children's book introduces Sofia who falls asleep as her mother styles her billowing afro every Sunday afternoon. She journeys through histories and hairstyles, meeting influential characters including an ancestor, Black Panther and Jamaican Rastafarian along the way. This empowering and uplifting story spotlights Black identity and learning to love yourself!
Rasta Granny's Rainbow written by Jessica Wilson and illustrated by Rochelle Falconer (3+)
In my latest children's book, we meet Dylan who is feeling low, but his Rasta Granny cheers him up by making a rainbow using Ital food. Ackee, plantain, fruit and traditional recipes turn colours into a celebration of family, Jamaican culture and the love passed from one generation to another. There's even a selection of poem-recipes for you to try!
Grandma's Locs written by Karen Arthur and illustrated by Camilla Ru (5+)
A little boy is fascinated by his grandmother's beautiful locs and the different ways she wears them. Her locs become connected to imagination and heritage.
Locs, Not Dreads written by Tonya Abari and illustrated by Chasity Hampton (4+)
Selah is excited about her newly loc'd hair, only for classmates to call them "dreadlocks". Her family helps her understand hair discrimination and why we take pride in our curls.
How the Rivermaid Grew Her Tail and Other West African and Caribbean Myths written by Jessica Wilson and illustrated by Sophie Bass (9+)
I had so much fun reimagining West African and Caribbean legends and am so excited to share this stunning gift book! Among the characters we meet the title character, the Rivermaid, or as we call her in Jamaica, the legendary River Mumma. Her long, flowing tendrils mirror her connection to ebbing river water.
Hairstory written by Sope Martins and illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu (4+)
This book is broader, exploring the African heritage behind locs, braids, cornrows and other forms of Black hairstyling. Our hair is connected to community, artistry and power.
Rastamouse and the Crucial Plan written by Michael De Souza and illustrated by Genevieve Webster (3+)
Last but not least, let's not sleep on Rastamouse! There is academic discussion of how the series represents reggae and politics. Although most real rastas would avoid cheese (!), Rastamouse does wear a red-gold-green tam, play reggae and inhabit an entertaining world drawing on Jamaican language that I love!
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