Picture books are a powerful tool that fosters learning, creativity, and empathy in young minds. They allow children to explore diverse experiences, see themselves reflected in characters, and open doors to new perspectives.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to spotlight and celebrate the stories and voices of Black authors and illustrators.
These incredible books provide meaningful representations and important lessons, from cultural pride to inspiring tales of friendship and family.
Below are some of our favourite children’s books by Black authors and illustrators, each offering a unique and enriching story for your little ones to enjoy.
To make things easier, we’ve included links to explore and purchase these books on Amazon.
Let's dive straight into 10 Wonderful Children’s Books by Black Authors and Illustrators to Celebrate Black History Month!
We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman & Dapo Adeola
This original story follows the adventures of Charlie and Eddie who are on a hunt for the mighty monster aka their big brother! To find him they must travel over oceans, mountains and even through jungles, encountering wild creatures along the way. This fun tale is perfect for storytime!
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o & Vashti Harrison
Written by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, this story of Sulwe introduces children to the concepts of colourism, self-confidence, and inner beauty. Sulwe is a story about a little girl who is not happy with her skin tone but by going on a magical adventure, she opens her mind to her natural beauty.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Look Up! By Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola
This space-themed storybook follows a little girl named Rocket who wants to be an astronaut. All she wants to do is follow in the footsteps of her hero Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.
Packed with fun facts about meteors and space, this isn’t just a charming picture book but also challenges traditional gender norms!
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson
This beautifully illustrated storybook follows CJ and his grandma as they are about to board the bus for their weekly journey across town.
CJ becomes disappointed as he learns they can’t drive there like his friend, but CJ’s grandma helps remind him of the beauty and fun in their routine and daily life. Highlighting the importance of being thankful for what you have.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation by Baroness Floella Benjamin & Diane Ewen
This beautiful picture book story is about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Lily and The Magic Comb by V V Brown
Written by singer-songwriter, model and record producer, V V Brown, Lily and The Magic Comb teaches the value of embracing your natural hair and the power there is in doing so.
The story follows Lily, who is gifted a comb for her birthday. This magical comb that can teleport her to wherever she wants, by simply combing her locks. Full of fantastic adventures, the book teaches children to embrace and be proud of their natural look.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Tiana Eat Up by Akitoye Sunday
This self-published storybook tells the tale of young Tiana who learns the importance of trying new things and not judging a book by its cover.
Written by Akitoye Sunday, the story encourages little ones to be open to trying new things. Also touching on the bond between children and their grandparents as the tale centres around Tiana visiting her grandmother
Click here to view it on the authors online store.
Small’s Big Dream by Manjeet Mann & Amanda Quartey
In Small’s world, everything is small – her shoes, her bed, everything. But her dreams are big. And Small discovers that when you dream big, anything – and everything – can happen.
This beautifully lyrical and empowering picture book is about the importance of dreaming big!
From award-winning author Manjeet Mann and the exceptionally talented debut illustrator, Amanda Quartey.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Did you know the treatment for leprosy was developed by a young scientist called Alice Ball?
And Josephine Baker- world-famous cabaret singer and dancer- was also a spy for the French résistance?
This amazing book features 40 trailblazing black women in the world's history, it educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Hey You!: An empowering celebration of growing up Black
By Dapo Adeola, Alyissa Johnson, Sharee Miller, Jade Orlando, Diane Ewen, Reggie Brown, Onyinye Iwu, Chanté Timothy, Gladys Jose, Bex Glendining, Joelle Avelino, Dunni Mustapha, Nicole Miles, Charlot Kristensen, Kingsley Nebechi, Camilla Sucre, Derick Brooks Jobe Anderson & Selom Sunu
This groundbreaking picture book is a lyrical, inspirational exploration of growing up Black, written by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, and brought to life by some of the most exciting Black illustration talents working today.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
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