A Single Dreadlock

A Single Dreadlock by debut picture book author Xaiver Michael Campbell and seasoned illustrator Eugenie Fernandes is a story about embracing your individuality.

Lovie grew up in Jamaica with his dads and grandma. He never thought he looked different, then he moves to Spruce Cove. In Spruce Cove, no hairdresser is brave enough to tackle Lovie’s curls and he misses grandma and her magical hair grease. When the kids at school tease him and pull his one single dreadlock, Lovie is painfully aware of how he is different from the other kids. Thankfully, Grandma arrives just before Chanukah to save the day and give Lovie a whole head of locs.

Xaiver Michael Campbell’s debut picture book is a beautiful celebration of hair and individuality. This story provides important lessons to all readers about how we choose to present ourselves in the world and how to show kindness. Lovie’s hair connects him to his home in Jamaica and especially to his Grandma who lovingly took care of his hair with her rich hair grease. Readers can see the link between home and hair through Lovie’s story and perhaps think twice before the next time they comment on someone’s hair.

Hair is so important. It’s a huge identity marker for so many readers. Both The Bear and The Bee have red hair and it is commented on everywhere we go. The Bear also chooses to wear his hair long which also elicits many comments.

I love how this story connects to family and family traditions as well. Lovie’s family celebrates Chanukah which was such a lovely reminder to me that we can’t make assumptions about who people are and what holidays they celebrate based on the surface.

Eugenie Fernandes brings her signature illustrations to this beautiful story. Her illustrations are rich, colourful and full of emotion. It's clear to see the joy that Grandma’s hair grease brings to Lovie and the warm connections he has to family and Jamaica through her pictures as well as the new love he is slowly finding to his new home in Spruce Cove.