Interview with Melodee Barnes

The following is from an interview with Melodee Barnes, author of Dear Curly Hair and Little Curlies, Big Day.

1. For anyone who doesn’t know who you are, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Melodee Barnes, and I am a former early childhood educator and family coach with over 25 years of experience. I’ve worked in various settings, from daycare to teaching special education and English language to early childhood students. I’m passionate about empowering families to support their children’s growth and development through practical strategies and nurturing relationships.

I am also the author of Dear Curly Hair and Little Curlies, Big Day, two children’s books that celebrate the joy and uniqueness of curly hair while gently guiding parents and caregivers on teaching important social and emotional skills. My mission is to create relatable, empowering stories for children and helpful resources for parents.

2. What initially got you into writing in general?
I’ve always loved children’s stories, especially children’s stories that allow students to see themselves, whether through comedy, characters, or setting. As an educator, I’ve seen how powerful stories can be in teaching important concepts and connecting with children on a deeper level. Writing felt like a natural extension of my work—another way to reach and support families beyond the classroom.

3. What inspired you to write Dear Curly Hair & Little Curlies, Big Day?
The inspiration came from my own daughter, who at the time was just 6 months old. As a parent, I was still struggling to embrace my hair. I did not want my daughter to have the same concept of her hair; that it was unmanageable, unacceptable, or undesirable. So, I melded a little of my childhood into something that children could view today. Something she could relate to and see herself in.

Dear Curly Hair is like a love letter celebrating natural afro-textured hair, and so is Little Curlies, Big Day. However, Little Curlies, Big Day also focuses on building social skills and confidently handling new experiences. Both books are playful, relatable, and meaningful for children and adults alike.

4. Can you tell us about your writing process? What is the most difficult part of writing a book?
My writing process usually starts with brainstorming and creating a clear vision of the message I want to convey. Then, I work on drafting the story, keeping the language engaging, rhythmic, and accessible for young children. After that, I refine and revise to ensure every line has a purpose.

The most challenging part of writing a book is making sure the message is both enjoyable for kids and something parents will want to read to their kids. Striking that balance takes time and thoughtful editing. Also, being a perfectionist can sometimes make me overthink small details, but I’ve learned to trust the process and keep moving forward.

5. What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
My advice would be to write what you’re passionate about and stay true to your unique voice. Don’t be afraid to start small and allow your ideas to grow. Also, understand that the process takes time, and it’s okay if things aren’t perfect right away. Keep refining, keep learning, and most importantly, keep going. Your story matters, and there’s an audience out there waiting to hear it.