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¿Me Dolerá el Corte de Pelo?
¿Me Dolerá el Corte de Pelo? narra la historia de un niño que le tiene pánico a cortarse el pelo e imagina todas las maneras posibles en que podría dolerle: desde vendas y puntos hasta picaduras de abeja, moretones y tirones dolorosos. A través de una conversación amena con su madre, el niño poco a poco deja atrás el miedo y la resistencia para dar paso a la curiosidad, fijándose en las divertidas sillas de la peluquería, los amables estilistas y el hecho de que nadie parece estar llorando. Al final, el corte de pelo deja de ser una amenaza para convertirse en un valiente primer paso.
Me pareció que la lógica emocional de este libro infantil reflejaba con gran fidelidad la forma de pensar de los niños pequeños. Los miedos del niño no son tanto «tontos» como vívidos y sinceros; y agradecí que la historia permitiera que esas preocupaciones ocuparan su espacio antes de ofrecer consuelo. Como padre, reconocí al instante esa espiral de asociaciones: las tijeras significan cortes, el zumbido significa abejas, el tirón de pelo significa dolor. La escritura es sencilla, repetitiva e infantil, un estilo que funciona a la perfección porque refleja la ansiedad dando vueltas una y otra vez en torno a la misma pregunta.
Las ilustraciones tienen un estilo artesanal, como si fueran hechas con crayones y lápices, lo que le da al libro una sensación íntima. Las expresiones de preocupación del niño, el cabello alborotado, las heridas imaginarias y las escenas en la peluquería se sienten inmediatas y personales. Algunos dibujos son divertidos de una manera peculiar y memorable, especialmente las escenas con cabellos exagerados y las imágenes de la maquinilla de afeitar. Las ideas cobran mayor fuerza cuando el libro se mantiene cerca del mundo interior del niño, donde los objetos cotidianos pueden volverse enormes y aterradores, para luego encogerse lentamente una vez que un adulto cariñoso les ayuda a ponerles nombre.
Me pareció que ¿Me Dolerá el Corte de Pelo? es un tierno libro ilustrado sobre el miedo, la imaginación y la paciencia que los niños necesitan al enfrentarse a algo desconocido. No presiona al niño para que sea valiente de inmediato —algo que me gustó—, y su calidez emana precisamente de ese desarrollo paciente de la historia. Lo recomendaría a niños de preescolar y de los primeros años de primaria que se sientan nerviosos ante los cortes de pelo, las visitas al médico, el aseo personal o cualquier nueva experiencia sensorial; especialmente si se lo lee un padre o una madre que pueda hacer pausas para conversar sobre cada temor con delicadeza.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0D49KCH5P
Everything Just Clicked
Ella Minnow P. follows a bright little girl on her first day of school who is teased because her name sounds like part of the alphabet song, and uses this to teach her classmates about kindness and empathy. What was the inspiration for your story?
My children inspired me to write this book. Three years ago, we were saying the ABCs one night in bed, and my oldest daughter kept saying what sounded like “Ella Minnow P.” at the LMNOP part, and then my kids would giggle. I immediately thought it sounded like a girl’s name. Everything just clicked, and I thought of the storyline. When I sat down to write the story, it only took a few hours. Then I had to get it all to rhyme.
As for the storyline and message of the book, again, my children inspired it. As a military spouse, I’ve guided our three children through five relocations and nine schools in nine years. Through this journey, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of kindness, courage, and inclusivity in children. Their love and acceptance as they learn and grow together are qualities I hope to inspire in other families. Like Ella, I’ve taught my kids that it takes both bravery and kindness to navigate any new chapter in life, especially the first day of school! These are lessons I share in my book to help others do the same.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I absolutely wanted the book to rhyme because I just feel like rhyming books hold kids’ attention and are cute. Your review said, “The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers.” And that is exactly what I was aiming for! While the message in this book is extremely important, I wanted this book to be one that children can learn to read from. That is why this book is recommended for ages 0 to 6 as a read-aloud, but also for 5 to 8-year-olds as an early reader. My kindergartener is actually learning to read with this book! The sentence structure is simple and rhythmic, making it fun to sound out the words. The text also highlights different, simple vocabulary words.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Emanuela Mannello?
Here is an article that was written in a local publication. Thus far, this is the first and only article that includes an interview with Emanuela. She was absolutely incredible to work with. I had been working with another illustrator, but I had to end that partnership because it was taking so long. It just wasn’t a good fit. I found Emanuela because she was the illustrator of the book Unicorn Wishes, which my children loved. I thought, “If my kids love the artwork in this book, why not just ask her to illustrate mine?” So I googled her and figured out how to get a hold of her, and the rest is history! She lives in Italy, and we did everything via email.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
We are in the middle of yet another military move, but I have ideas for more books involving Ella’s character, and the manuscripts are underway 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Coronado Eagle | Coronado Times | Amazon
Perfect as a baby book, toddler book, or preschool book, Ella Minnow P. is a great read-aloud for storytime or bedtime. It’s also an ideal kindergarten book or first grade book, especially for children facing those first day jitters. This story encourages confidence, friendship, and the idea that learning can be fun when you stay true to yourself.
Written by Trisha Fleming and illustrated by Emanuela Mannello, this charming children’s book is filled with rhymes, giggles, and colorful scenes that bring Ella’s classroom to life. Whether you’re looking for first day jitters children’s books, kindness books, or one of the best kindergarten read about books, Ella Minnow P. belongs on your child’s bookshelf.
Recommended for ages 0 to 6 as a read-aloud and 5 to 8 as an early reader. Great for classrooms, libraries, and home collections, this juvenile fiction story will keep kids coming back to the alphabet again and again with confidence and a smile.
