Shonda Knight’s children’s book “My Omnilocks” celebrates curly hair

June 24, 2024

Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
| Democrat from Tallahassee

Shonda Knight, a renowned graduate of Florida A&M University, announced on June 19 the release of her first board book for children, “My Omnilocks: Hair with Endless Looks.”

Inspired by a conversation with her 9-year-old daughter about her naturally curly hair, Shonda aims to inspire excitement with this powerful and culturally significant work.

“My Omnilocks” is a journey of self-love and individuality for little brown girls and their naturally curly, frizzy or thick locks.

As a communications manager and former television news anchor, Knight uses her passion for storytelling to teach girls from an early age about the beauty of their versatile locks.

“I wrote this book to celebrate multicultural hair. It’s a gift from our Creator and can do all kinds of things,” says Knight. “I chose to write a board book because little brown girls should know the power of their hair from the beginning.”

Research shows that 90 percent of brain development occurs between the ages of 0 and 5, including early development of self-confidence. My Omnilocks is a 12-page, interactive, rhyming board book designed to empower toddlers and young readers by giving them a sense of pride in their unique locks.

Through eye-catching cutouts with colorful hair illustrations and soulful prose, Knight hopes to inspire children to embrace their natural hair and develop confidence in their identity.

Knight has pledged to donate copies of the book to the South City Foundation Early Learning Center in Tallahassee, which is scheduled to open in August.

“My Omnilocks” ($12.99) is now available for pre-order online at myomnilocks.com.