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Be Kind. Be Generous.
Tousled follows a lively young girl with long, beautiful, out-of-control hair who learns about kindness and compassion. What was the inspiration for your story?
I actually created Tousled in an afternoon, when our illustrator informed us he had a last minute cancelation. The ending didn’t come as quickly as the rest of the book, and I was completely lost on how to spin it. We have had a lot of experience with cancer through family, friends, and our foundation and have also known a couple people with Alopecia. I felt that Sunny was already so proud of who she was, the next step would be for her to share it with others. I like to end stories in surprising ways that spark conversations with children and inspire people to give.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
If you are blessed with something, share it. Be kind. Be generous. Also, you are beautiful on the outside just as you are, but it’s really who you are as a person that makes you shine.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Andy Catling?
Andy is awesome! He was super excited to draw the hair and obviously did an amazing job. He was receptive to color tweaks or little things here or there that I pictured a bit differently. I think for the most part, we were on the same page (small pun intended).
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Tousled was published at the same time as The Princess Has to Pee which is another twist on an old classic. I am currently collaborating with my husband on a book called The Trashcan Wars which is a silly story about a misunderstanding amongst neighbors. We will also be releasing our first title through our sister company, Grief Glitter, called Jessy Joy and Daddy-O, a picture book memoir for young readers about a father and daughter’s special bond and expression of love through silly nicknames.
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Tousled
Tousled, written by Rooney Lennon and illustrated by Andy Catling, follows a spirited young girl named Sunny, who has a head full of long and incredibly unruly hair. Sunny’s hair grows rapidly, collects various treasures, and is a perpetual challenge for her mother. Despite the trouble her hair causes, Sunny adores her luscious mane. She and her friends find creative uses for her locks, from jumping rope to climbing towers. However, when Sunny visits the hair salon with her mother, she discovers a profound purpose for her hair that she had never considered.
Tousled is a vibrantly illustrated tale where Sunny’s stunning head of hair seems to take on a life of its own. Young readers will delight in losing themselves in Andy Catling’s colorful and detailed illustrations. The attention to detail on each page is truly remarkable, inviting children to revisit Sunny’s story time and time again. The heartfelt message conveyed in Lennon’s engaging children’s book is one that parents and teachers will appreciate. When Sunny learns that she can donate her locks to children undergoing cancer treatment, readers will feel a significant and touching shift in the book’s tone—a true highlight in a children’s story. The humor and rhyme will capture readers’ attention, while the message of generosity and its impactful real-life connections will stay with them long after the last page is turned.
Tousled is a delightful and meaningful read, combining playful storytelling with a powerful message of kindness and selflessness. Rooney Lennon’s engaging narrative and Andy Catling’s enchanting illustrations make this a must-read for young children and a valuable addition to any library.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0CSZVP6DN
LITERARY TITAN 