Pierre's New Hair
What’s inside...
WINNER of the 2022 Klaus Flugge Prize - Celebrating outstanding newcomers to picture book illustration. Pierre and his friends decide to enter a roller skating competition and put in hours of practice, training, hair styling and costume planning. But what will happen when Pierre can't get the perfect quiff and is running late? Will he make it to the competition on time? And will he still have the confidence to skate with his friends? 'Pierre is a bear who loves hair and roller-skating. But can his moves and his quiff impress his favourite roller disco team, the Poodle Squad? The judges loved the anarchy and edge Joseph Hollis brings to his story, and his clever use of the pages and layout. Despite the absurdity, he builds a believable world, the details adding up into something real.' - Klaus Flugge Prize Judging Panel; A joyful and colorful debut picture book about a quiff-loving bear who discovers that it’s not all about looks
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Pierre felt when he got his new hair?
What would you do if you were in Pierre's shoes and everyone reacted to your new look?
Why do you think it's important for Pierre to feel good about his hair?
Can you think of a time when something changed about you? How did others react?
If you could change something about your appearance, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions Pierre might be feeling. This helps your child understand and empathize with the character.
Encourage your child to describe what they see in the illustrations, linking those visuals to the emotions and events in the story.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part. Use this artwork as a prompt to discuss the themes of the book.
Link the story to real-life experiences by discussing any similar experiences your child might have had, fostering a deeper personal connection to the book's themes.
Praise your child for insightful answers or unique ideas during the discussion, reinforcing their confidence in expressing thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Pierre's New Hair highlights the journey of a young boy, Pierre, who decides to try a new hairstyle and learns to embrace the changes with confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and feel confident about changes in their lives, whether it's moving to a new school, trying a new activity, or any personal changes.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Through his new hairstyle, Pierre expresses his unique personality and preferences, which is celebrated by his friends and family.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express themselves freely through their clothing, hobbies, or artistic choices, fostering a sense of individuality.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Others
Explanation: As Pierre unveils his new hair, his friends and family show acceptance and support, reinforcing positive social interactions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of accepting and celebrating differences in others, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their everyday social interactions.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: Despite initial hesitations, Pierre grows more confident with his new look as others appreciate his bold choice.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that self-confidence can grow from personal decisions and positive feedback, aiding them in becoming self-assured individuals.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Criticism
Explanation: Pierre faces and overcomes some initial criticism and learns to handle it constructively.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to handle criticism positively, using it as a tool for personal growth and resilience.