At just 10 years old, Mylee-Grace is teaching young girls across South Africa to embrace their natural hair, build confidence, and fall in love with who they are through her first children’s book.
Vryheid, South Africa (09 October 2025)- At just 10 years old, Mylee-Grace Merkle from Vryheid has achieved a remarkable milestone. She has written her very first children’s book, Smiley and the Magic of Her Curls. The story is a heartfelt exploration of self-love, identity, and embracing the unique beauty of natural hair.
Mylee-Grace’s mother, Kayla, recalls her initial reaction when her daughter first mentioned the idea.
“I was shocked because she had never mentioned it before. It was just random, she was just like, ‘Do you think I can write a book?’ Or, ‘Do you think I can be an author?’ And then she just sat down and started doing it. So I was surprised.”
Seeing her young daughter accomplish such a feat has been inspiring for Kayla.
For Mylee-Grace, the inspiration behind her book comes from her own experiences growing up with natural hair.
“People always used to say that my hair is untidy and I should go and tie it up and just make it look neat and tidy. And I always used to be sad about it. And then I realised that I shouldn’t be sad or feel weird about my hair because it’s unique. I should be happy because not everybody has it.”
Her favourite part of writing the book? Well, without giving away too many spoilers.
“My favourite part is when Smiley helped get the kite out of the tree.”
She drew inspiration for her characters from people close to her.
“I got the characters from my friends and my cousin, my old friend Chelsea, and my cousin Campbell.”
Mylee-Grace hopes her story empowers other children.
“I hope they feel happy and confident of how their hair looks and they should just be happy about it.”
She also shared advice for kids struggling with self-confidence.
“They should love themselves no matter what, and they mustn’t listen to what the people are saying… that they should change their hair. They should be happy that they have it because not everybody has it.”
The book has been met with incredible support, with the first batch of 100 copies selling out in under two weeks. For now, readers can pre-order through her mother, with plans to make it available on Takealot soon.
Mylee-Grace’s journey is a testament to the power of self-love and creativity. Through her curls and her words, she is teaching young girls across South Africa to embrace who they are. Beautiful, unique, and confident.
Readers who would like to get a copy of Smiley and the Magic of Her Curls can reach out to Kayla at kaylakellybowes@gmail.com
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