Book Review: Don't Touch My Hair!
- Kayelene Kerr Child Safety Educator & Advocate
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
At first glance, Don’t Touch My Hair! might seem like a simple story about a child who doesn’t want people playing with her curls. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this is about something much deeper ... identity, bodily autonomy, body boundaries, personal space, consent and respect.
The story follows a young girl who loves her hair, but finds herself increasingly uncomfortable as people reach out to touch it without asking. What may seem harmless to others feels intrusive and overwhelming to her. She tries to avoid it, even escape it, but eventually discovers something important, she can use her voice.
This is where the power of the story sits. It shows children that they don’t have to tolerate unwanted touch, even when others are curious, friendly or think they are being kind. It reinforces that consent matters in everyday interactions, not just in obvious or serious situations.
Importantly, the book also opens the door to conversations about difference. Hair, in this story, is not just hair, it's part of identity, culture and self-expression. When children learn to respect this, they are learning something much bigger than boundaries. They are learning empathy.
For children, this message is clear and accessible. They can begin to understand that they have control over their own body, and that they are allowed to say no. They also learn that they must respect when someone else says no, even if they don’t fully understand why.
For adults, the message is a reminder that consent is not a one-off conversation. It is built through everyday moments, how we respond when a child says no, how we model asking for permission and how we respect differences in others.
Books like this help make those moments visible. They give children language and they give adults a way to reinforce what safety and respect look like in real life. Because sometimes the simplest statements carry the most powerful meaning, you don’t have to let anyone touch you and your 'no' deserves to be respected.
Don't Touch My Hair!
About Kayelene Kerr & eSafeKids
eSafeKids is a social enterprise founded by Kayelene Kerr. Kayelene is recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography Literacy education workshops. Kayelene has featured on Australian and international television broadcasts, radio programs and in print media.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
