To say that Zoe’s hair is unruly wildly understates the case. Zoe’s red tresses “[go] on … forever,” pouring juice, petting the cat and playing on the computer—simultaneously. Zoe’s parents rightly celebrate it: “It was her sail, her kite, her flag.” But when she gets to first grade, the odious Ms Trisk insists that it follow the rules, confining it till both Zoe and hair are miserable. That Zoe’s hair will both burst out of its prison and save the day goes without question, but Anderson and Hoyt play the goof for all it’s worth. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations depict a freckle-faced, knobby-kneed Zoe, whose magnificent mane twines luxuriantly and massively across the page. The just-deadpan-enough text carries the visuals with ease—a well-coiffed winner. (Picture book. 5-8)
