Illustrated by Sophie Bass
5 stars
Absolutely stunning. Weaving together a Rapunzel narrative with the history of enslaved Africans using cornrow patterns to navigate their journey to freedom, Cooke creates a compelling, empowering, and magical tale.
Wonderfully written with flowing narration. A lengthy text but certainly worth the read. I love how empowering the narrative is. Through the kindness of a stranger, Lou is able to find her own way back home.
Nice themes of greed, selfishness, kindness, bravery, creative thinking, and community. Showcases the beauty of sharing when there is enough for everyone versus keeping everything for yourself. Also shows the importance of caring for what you have.
The artwork is gorgeous. Bright, colorful illustrations that draw the reader in. I especially enjoyed the detailed depictions of the plants, animals, and landscapes.
An absolutely fantastic read. I highly recommend this one. A great retelling with wonderful messages, stunning artwork, and an unforgettable story.