For a Somerset West resident, months of dreams, passionate writing sessions and heartfelt hopes have finally morphed into something beautifully tangled and tangible.
Her children’s book has hit the shelves and is ready to journey into libraries, bedrooms and family reading corners where it’s destined to be a favourite.
Lizette Matthews is the proud author of Coily’s Hair Adventure, a relatable story to help untangle some misconceptions about natural beauty, to induce children to smooth out their insecurities and embrace their inherently natural, beautiful selves.
Personal journey
“I was the only one in my family with my type of hair,” the 53-year-old self-published author reflected. “Growing up I never understood why mine was different and I always thought of it as ugly.”
Her leap of faith in transitioning from relaxed to natural hair changed everything. Not only did it liberate Matthews, but it sparked an urgent need to share this journey of self-discovery. “I felt compelled to tell this story.”
Asked about seeing her first book in print, her response was honest and candid, describing the moment as “overwhelming”.
Book bubbles
| • If you could have one hair adventure like Coily, what would it be? An adventure where my hair would transport me to beautiful places around the globe. • What’s your favourite scene or moment in the book? The part where Coily runs away from Grandma. • Which children’s books inspired you as a young reader? The Wonderful World of Oz. |
Meet Coily
At the heart of the book is Coily, a spirited, talented young girl. This music and dance-loving character adores bright colours, cherishes her friendships and embraces her girly side.
Through her adventures Coily delivers a powerful message to children everywhere: your natural hair is not something you hide, but a crown to be worn with pride.
This stems from Matthews’ belief that “everyone is beautiful in their own way”.
Representation matters
The magic happens when young readers see themselves represented.
“When young readers see a character like Coily that looks just like them, it’s telling them there is nothing wrong with them and they don’t have to change for anyone else,” she explained. “When children see characters who look just like them, live in places where they live, it validates their existence.”
Changing conversations
Matthews believes the book can also be used as an useful tool to reshape family conversations about hair and identity. “I wish for this book to change the narrative, especially where parents feel compelled to relax their young children’s hair. Parents should encourage their kids to embrace their natural hair and tell them there is nothing wrong with their kroes.”
Positive Impact
She’s already witnessing the transformation first-hand. “The response has been positive,” she said. “Just last week a young girl at one of the schools where I gave a presentation told me that she felt more confident about herself and her hair after listening to the story.”
This four-year journey from conception to publication has reinforced why diversifying children’s literature matters. “Every child needs to know they can be a hero irrespective of their cultural background.”
Community outreach
That’s exactly why Matthews is taking Coily’s message directly to young audiences. So far she’s completed three readings – two at libraries in the Helderberg and one at Marvin Park Primary in Macassar – with each session reinforcing her belief in the power of representation and storytelling.
- For more information or copies of Coily’s Hair Adventure contact Lizette on 065 320 5754 or coilyshairadventures@gmail.com.
