Gladiolus and the Hair Don'ts
Hair grows. Feelings change.
Glad loves his big, curly hair just the way it is. So when “just a little trim” turns into something he never expected, his worries start to race: Will everyone laugh? Will anyone still want to be his friend? With a friend who reminds him he's still Glad, and a mom who listens instead of fixing, Glad discovers that hair grows back, and feelings change too.
For children ages 3–9. Lesson: Body autonomy, change, and expressing feelings. The cycle it interrupts: Dismissing children’s preferences and emotions.
Themes: Optimism, Communication, Self-Awareness, Emotional Regulation.
Characters
- Poppy: A caring little monster learning that kindness and speaking up for herself can coexist.
- Glad: A little blue monster with magnificent curls, learning about change, feelings, and expressing his needs.
- Max: Glad’s beloved Old English Sheepdog and recurring companion.
- Mom: Glad's mom, who listens first.
Questions grown-ups ask
What age is Gladiolus and the Hair Don’ts for?
Children ages 3 to 9. It works for reading together at home, in the classroom, or with a school counselor.
What is the book about?
Glad loves his big, curly hair. When “just a little trim” goes too far, he worries everyone will laugh. With a friend who reminds him he’s still Glad and a mom who listens instead of fixing, he learns that hair grows back and feelings change too.
Is it a good book for a child who is upset about a haircut?
Yes. It was written for exactly that moment: a haircut or another change to their body that a child didn’t want, and the big feelings that follow.
What does it teach?
Body autonomy, coping with change, and putting feelings into words. For grown-ups, it models listening to a child’s feelings instead of dismissing them.
Are there free classroom resources?
Yes. There is a free discussion guide for teachers and counselors, printable Talk Cards, an “Instead of / Try” sheet for grown-ups, and an 8 Petals poster.
Is there a Spanish version?
The book is in English. This whole website is available in Spanish, and the Talk Cards and free printables come in both English and Spanish.