Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch, Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

A little girl who is determined to strike a blow for nonconformity manages to arrive at school every day with a hairdo more outraegous than the day before. And each time, the cast of copycats grows and grows --- until the day she threatens to shave her head! The strong female voice will speak to many, asserting the importance of individuality and independent thought. Full color throughout.

Children's Literature

This hilarious tale of ponytail copycats ends with a surprise twist. As usual, Munsch spins fun and revelations into this delightful story. Stephanie proves to be a strong-willed girl who knows what she likes. She has the last laugh on her schoolmates. The vivid watercolor illustrations bring Stephanie's world to life.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-"Ugly, ugly, very ugly," decrees the class when Stephanie arrives in school with a ponytail. But the next day, all the girls have ponytails, too. Dismayed and disgusted by these copycats, Stephanie has her Mom move her ponytail to one side with the same results. After wearing it top and front as well, Stephanie confronts the class with her final act of defiance-she announces that she's going to shave her head! Next day, her teacher and classmates are bald as billiard balls and Stephanie? Why, she's chased from the classroom with her very ordinary ponytail flying out behind her. Munsch lampoons the slavish conformity of kids while applauding Stephanie's courage and audacity in this thinly disguised paean to individualism. The cumulative text and progressively more unusual hairstyles will appeal to young readers, and the turnabout ending is satisfying if not surprising. Students of all genders, races, body types, and ages are equally subject to ridicule. The blatant hostility to Stephanie's creative coiffures is never explained, however, and her unholy glee when escaping the rampaging mob of bald classmates borders on malicious. The text is presented opposite the full-page watercolor illustrations that are suitably cartoonish and silly. Independent readers will notice the funny details, such as pets with ponytails. While too small for use with large groups, this book could spark a lively discussion if read aloud. Predictable, irreverent Munsch.-Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ

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