Big Wig: A Little History of Hair

by Krull, Kathleen; Malone, Peter

• ISBN13: 9780439676403
• ISBN10: 0439676401
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-08-01
• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Summary

History has never been hairier. Did you know that kings AND queens wore fake beards in Ancient Egypt? Or that hair was used in medicine at the height of the Incan Empire? Or that Queen Elizabeth I had more than 80 wigs in various shades of red? Kathleen Krull and Peter Malone start at the dawn of history and bring us up to contemporary times, using incredible bits and bobs of hair fact and lore to show us just how much things have changed (and how they haven't!). This is a perfect way to introduce young readers to the idea of a longitudinal study. And it's also an irreverant and playful look at what funny fashion victims we humans have always been! Deserves a permanent spot on every bookshelf. (Get it?)

Author Biography

PW says that Kathleen Krull "knows exactly how to captivate her audience" by combining historical particulars with "amusing anecdotes that put flesh and blood on dry literary bones." Her subjects range from music to science to sports, but her books are consistently smart and incredible fun to read. She lives in San Diego, California. Peter Malone is the illustrator of HOW MANY MILES TO BETHLEHEM by Kevin Crossley-Holland and many other gorgeous books for children. This is his first opportunity to let his prodigious sense of humor shine through. He lives in Bath, England.