A little girl feels her father’s love as he takes time to braid her hair each night and share imaginative bedtime stories.

Released August 2023 with Shadow Mountain Publishing, Only a Trenza Away is a whimsical and touching children’s book that teaching empowering lessons to kids about learning to trust oneself while tenderly portraying the Latine cultural tradition of trenzas, or braids. Written by Nadine Fonseca and Illustrated by Camila Carrossine.

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Perfect picture book for children ages 4-9

Nadine expands on her childhood memories of having her hair braided by her father as a child to help kids and their grownups learn about:

Parents and caregivers being intentional about spending quality time together
Enjoying family and cultural traditions together while making them your own
Learning to love and trust yourself
You are never truly alone

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"Every night, Xiomara’s father braids her hair before bed. They imagine themselves on fantastic adventures: swinging through jungles; diving in underwater caves; flying to the moon. When Xiomara’s father has to work late, she worries she will not be able to handle adventures—like starting a new school that year—without him. But in this cozy, comforting tale, her father assures her that the strength and love woven into her braids will always be there—even when he isn’t."

starred review Foreword Reviews
"Papa nightly braids his daughter Xia’s hair. During Trenza (braid) time they go on imaginary adventures where she gets to be brave, patient and ambitious. I love that the father is the one doing the braiding and explains how his sisters taught it to him. He also teaches her love symbolism in the braids themselves. The story is sweet with cheery illustrations. This would be a very welcome on my school library shelves for its positive message and POC diversity."

Kaye, Goodreads
"This charming picture book is something we need more of! This is a book about a little girl and her relationship with her father. After bath time each night he weaves her hair into a braid, whilst telling her stories. In telling her stories the father is preparing the daughter for her future, when he won't be there, telling her she will be strong enough to face whatever comes. This is a story of familial love, body positivity, tradition and tenderness. I loved it. The artwork was beautiful, the storytelling was perfect. I give this 5 stars."

Amandasaved, Goodreads
"This lovely illustrated book is about Xiomara's relationship with her father and their bond. Every night her father braids her hair before she goes to sleep, and during this process they share adventures and stories in lots of possible scenarios, while she also learns about her own confidence and strength. First of all the illustrations by Camila Carrosinne are stunning and so colorful, I'm obsessed. And the story has a beautiful father-daughter relationship, that even reminded me of my own relationship with my dad, and when he combed my hair before school. I loved how imaginative their "trips" were and the important lesson she learns by the end about her own life, future and her family's traditions with braids"

Gabby, Goodreads
"Only a Trenza Away is such a sweet story of family relationships, specifically that of a father and daughter. Every night father and daughter go on wonderful adventures as the father braids his daughter's hair and teaches her life lessons. An extra treat can be found at the end of the story where the author shares information which adds an extra special touch. The story and the beautiful illustrations will tug at your heartstrings for sure."

Dali, Goodreads
"There is too many great things to say about this book for a written review. I loved the bond between the father and daughter, the imagination that takes place each night as he braids her hair, the lesson of taking on things by yourself but having your families support and love, the breathtaking illustrations, the history of a braid/trenza, the cultural representation... GAH! This book and these illustrations are excellent! I wont be able to stop raving about this book!"

Brittany, Goodreads