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Meet an Author Series

Meet a Children’s Book Author

Name: Dawn L. Stewart
Book Title: Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day
Illustrated by: Michael White
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Recommended Reading Age Group: 4 to 8 years old

Interview Part 1:
On Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day

If you could describe your book, Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day, in one word, what word would it be?

Hilarious

What is the story all about?

Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day begins when a wild, unruly curl pops out of Harriet’s neat braid. Her brother and sister try to straighten the curl with one outrageous plan after another . only to have even more curls appear. By the end of the book, Harriet sports twelve untamed curls and has suffered everything from a mud bath to a hair “treatment” mix of pickle juice, peanut butter, mustard and molasses. A surprise finish proves that even hairy problems can have happy endings.

How did you get the idea for this book?

The idea for Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day started with the thought, “What would a girl do if she suddenly developed one crazy curl and couldn’t get rid of it?” Then I built on the idea: What if her brother and sister tried to straighten the curl? What if Harriet’s hair became more and more curly? Then I had fun thinking of different ways to straighten the rebellious curls.

Who should read this book?

The book is for children ages 4 to 8 years old. I have read the book to children in preschool through grade 5. Younger children enjoy the antics of the cat and dog illustrated throughout the story. Older children laugh at Harriet’s plight and delight me with their ideas for new ways to straighten Harriet’s curls.

Part II: About The Author