Wash Day Love

An invitation into the home of a Black family on hair wash day, Wash Day Love by Tanisia Moore and Raissa Figueroa is a story about family and hair.

It’s Sunday and that means it’s wash day, at least it is in Tasha’s house. Tasha HATES Sunday and it takes her a while to get ready for her turn at the kitchen salon. Granny, big sister Tianna and Mom all remind her about their experiences with wash day to put her at ease and get her ready for her turn. After the wash, she then gets to help Mama and Granny get washed. A beautifully descriptive story about hair, family and love.

While I try to focus my energy on reading and reviewing books by Canadians, this book just seemed to call to me. Although written and illustrated by people living in the US, it’s a story that lacks in the Canadian landscape. It’s hard to find stories like Wash Day Love written by Canadians. While this story focuses on a Black family and the ritual of the wash day, it is relatable in our household and in many households. The Bear has very long thick hair and up until last year, his feelings about wash day were very similar to Tasha’s.

I love how Tanisia Moore invites readers into Tasha’s home, a home very similar to her own, and shares with readers the history and the power behind hair and the ritual of the wash. I love that the wash day was a family affair, including Mama and Granny in the wash day festivities. The story exudes love for family and hair through the lyrical pace and beautiful descriptions.

Raissa Figueroa creates beautiful images throughout the story. Each two page spread invites readers directly into the process and creates an ethereal mood to the ritual. She sets the tone for the story and shares with readers the joy of family togetherness.