Haircuts Are No Big Deal
by Ashley Vercammen, Illustrated by Putut Putri
Published by Home Style Teachers
$20.00 ISBN 9781778152955
Here’s one young writer who’s on a roll. Saskatchewan children’s author, English as an additional language teacher, and registered behaviour technician Ashley Vercammen has once again taken an ordinary experience — this time it’s getting a haircut — that can be scary for some children and she’s created a cheerful, step-by-step, illustrated guide to help the experience go more smoothly. Her softcover book Haircuts Are No Big Deal is good news for anxious children, accompanying parents and barbers/stylists. It’s also fun to read and look at.
The story — brightly illustrated by Indonesian freelance illustrator Putut Putri in a cartoonish, round- character — is another in the Home Style Teacher series, and it will be especially helpful for youngsters or youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who don’t like to be touched, are anxious in unfamiliar situations and/or are uncomfortable with certain sounds. As we follow shaggy-haired Charlie and his mother through their discussion of his pending haircut, we see that the author has employed the formula of creating a predictable schedule, breaking down tasks into small and simple steps, actively engaging a child’s attention in a structured activity, positively reinforcing good behaviour with praise and physical rewards and involving a parent.
Charlie understands that getting his hair cut at the barber’s is “no big deal,” but his wise mom knows that having a “practice” will be helpful, and after the haircut, Charlie will “get [his] prize.” She alerts him to the experience’s sensory elements, including the sound of the doorbell; sitting “in the big chair with some of [his] favourite toys, snacks and shows; having a cape put on him and having his head touched “alllll around;” and facing a large mirror, “but we can cover it with something fun or make funny faces together,” she says. Throughout the explanations, Mom smiles and gently further shares that they will use a timer from home — set for two minutes — while his hair is cut “with a shaver” by the barber, Emma. Mom promises that she will be with Charlie “the whole time, just in case [he needs] to pause for a break”.
As with another of Vercammen’s children’s books — Dentists Are No Big Deal — the author leads her characters (and readers) right through the actual event. The 30-minute haircut appointment is illustrated in a series of eight small, gold-bordered images on a two-page spread, then Emma sings “Ta Da!” and Charlie’s sporting his handsome new haircut and a broad smile. Charlie throws his arms in the air and reiterates the phrase — bet you can guess it — he’s been using throughout the story.
In her brief bio notes, Vercammen says she “enjoys writing books to engage readers in conversation.” I feel this book would be a great early years classroom addition. Vercammen is also a publisher; she helps others write and publish their own children’s picture books. Learn more about the growing library of Ashley Vercammen’s thoughtful and helpful books — or publish your own — at https://www.ashley-vercammen.ca/
This book is available at your local bookstore or from SaskBooks at www.skbooks.com
