Max and the Haircut

Written and illustrated by Samareh Azadi

Otter Barry Books 2026

Reviewed by Dimity Powell

One of the most seemingly benign ‘firsts’ a parent and their child have to face – the first hair cut … in a salon – is often fraught with some of the most intense emotions. Fear, confusion, grief, all the indescribable fears toddlers and youngsters encounter are distilled into this gorgeously rendered picture book, Max And The Haircut. The title sets the premise straight away, suggesting that the act of getting a hair cut assumes an entity too overwhelming to name.

By his own admission, Max’s mane needs taming and at first a trip to Wendy’s Hair Salon with his mum seems a fun interesting outing. The trouble is, the salon is too bright and noisy and full of sharp, spiky objects. Doubt grows faster than Max’s curls. What is normal and accepted for us from learned experience, the odd smells, curious sounds and intrusive atmosphere, quickly overwhelm Max as they do many young children.

Despite Wendy’s gentle assurances that the all-encompassing aprons and sharp hair clips are necessary, Max associates these personal invasions with scary creatures best avoided. They eventually amalgamate into a fearsome dragon-like apparition that abruptly ends all hair cutting attempts.

It’s at this point that many real-life visits dissolve into a stress-laden screaming match. Fortunately for Max, Wendy has an trick or two hidden under her apron. By removing the stressors and restrictions and replacing them with cuddles and kindness, Max’s unruly locks are soon tamed and peace is restored.

Max And The Haircut is one of those picture books that create informative understanding bridges about dubious life situations being experienced for the first time; like getting one’s tonsils removed or going to the dentist.

Samareh Azadi’s first person narrative allows young readers to understand where Max’s anxieties stem from. Her soothingly textured drawings with loose pencilled outlines and non-jarring colours provide visual anchors that soften the scary aspects of visiting a new place for the first time.

This picture book not only illustrates a frustrating episode of parenting that many battle with, it offers gentle alternatives for overcoming fears and soliciting acceptance.

For ages: 3 – 6

Dimity Powell is an Australian author and reviewer whose books include Oswald Messweather, and At the End of Holyrood Lane. Her latest book is The Boy Who  Lost His Laugh.