Wanda seems to be the only one who loves her wild hair – so wild it serves as a sun visor in the summer and a snowflake catcher in winter. Despite complaints from her parents and teacher, Wanda refuses to cut it, even when her mother’s valuable earring gets caught in the tangled mop. Wanda enjoys having the sparkly treasure enmeshed in her hair, but soon changes her mind when she is attacked by a magpie on the way home from school. In turn, the magpie attracts a cat, then the cat attracts a dog, and when an exhausted and beleaguered Wanda returns home even she concedes something must be done. So it’s off to the hairdresser, but when the newly shorn Wanda looks in the mirror, readers are left with the distinct impression her adventures won’t stop now.

Edmonton author Barbara Azore’s new picture book has an engaging heroine who deserves admiration for her independent mindset. But the plot wavers somewhat, diverting readers from a story about a lost earring to a cumulative romp with energetic animals to a trip to the hairdresser with ambiguous results. However, Azore’s narrative and dialogue are enjoyable, and readers will root for Wanda as she battles her bad-hair day on her own terms.

Georgia Graham’s chalk pastel illustrations capture Wanda’s quirky personality and zany escapades very effectively. She presents double-page spreads with colourful detail and up-close images to highlight the dramatic moments. Wanda’s auburn mop is indeed the focal point of most pages, but facial expressions, gestures, and the warm palette are also eye-catching. Despite a lack of focus in the plot, Wanda and the Wild Hair remains a pleasant read.