Book Review of Hugo’s Hair
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The Children’s Book Review
Hugo’s Hair
Written and illustrated by James Alfie
Ages: 4-6 | 40 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books (2026) | ISBN: 978-0063432338
What to Expect: Identity, style, self-expression, individuality.
In this fun and zany picture book, award-winning contemporary artist James Alfie tackles the timeless question of self-expression and fitting in.
Hugo the Monster is completely bald—and that makes him stand out from all the other monsters. He’d really like some hair to help him fit in, and with so many cool styles to choose from, he’s excited to explore all the options for his trendy new hairdo. The choices seem never-ending—from mohawks and bobs to square tops, curls, spikes, and braids. He could even grow a beard or a pair of mustaches. The more Hugo explores different styles, however, the more exhausted he becomes—finding the perfect hairdo is a lot of work! Soon, Hugo comes to a realization: the perfect hairstyle for him is the one he already has—no hair!
Hugo is instantly relatable in his desire to look like everyone else, his excitement at the idea of trying a new identity, and his enthusiastic energy for trying on style after style. The story is delivered through equally energetic rhyming couplets that are perfect for reading aloud and simple enough for young readers. The vibrant artwork immerses readers in Hugo’s quest for the perfect style, using bold, saturated color-blocking, swirling lines and spiral patterns, and flat, simple cartoon character shapes that evoke Hugo’s delight and curiosity in expressing himself.
With its uplifting messaging about self-acceptance and individuality, Hugo’s Hair is perfect for conversations about identity and for any reader who has ever wondered about changing themselves to fit in.
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About the Author
James Alfie is a London-born, Los Angeles–based contemporary artist whose work blends graphic design, animation, graffiti, and fine art into a bold, highly recognizable visual style. His pieces are defined by strong composition, character, and color, seamlessly bridging these artistic disciplines.
Working primarily in large-scale acrylic paintings and original character-led concepts, Alfie’s practice centers on individuality, creative freedom, and standing apart from convention.
With the release of his debut picture book, Hugo’s Hair (HarperCollins), Alfie brings his visual world into storytelling while remaining firmly rooted in his identity as an artist.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Hugo’s Hair. Learn more about getting a book review …
