25 Awesome African American Children's Books for Little Readers

The first book in the Brown Sugar Baby series by Kevin Lewis celebrates the love shared between mothers and their newborns. Inside its pages, you’ll follow an African American family as they welcome their brand new bundle of joy into their life, with a special focus on how mom will protect and nurture. The lyrical rhythm and warm-toned illustrations will draw you and your little one in from the very first word.

Age: 0 to 3 years

Introduce baby to reggae with this interactive songbook. The board book features lyrics from Bob Marley’s biggest hits accompanied by sweet animal illustrations. Plus, each sturdy page has a built-in sound button—encourage your little songbird to press the button to hear a clip and kickstart a sing-along.

Age: 6 months to 4 years

This African American children's book follows two parents lovingly caring for their baby from sunrise to sunset. Spanish words are peppered throughout the story, making it a great option for bilingual families. Plus, warm illustrations by AG Ford—the recipient of two NAACP Image Awards—bring this humble tale to life.

Age: 2 to 6 years

Voted the best book of the year by Barnes & Noble, Bedtime for Sweet Creatures is a Black children's book that celebrates imagination, playful moments and the love between mother and child. With the help of a menagerie of imaginary animal friends, the little boy at the heart of the tale does everything he can to dodge his bedtime. But by the end of the book, he’s all tuckered out from his adventures and safely snuggled in bed.

Age: 3 to 8 years

Have a dancer at home? Even if you don’t, ballerina Misty Copeland, the first female African American principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theater, is an excellent role model to share with your little one. This pretty picture book introduces early readers to her life story.

Age: 2 to 5 years

From award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney comes a children’s book that’s filled with tons of fun! Take a peek inside and you’ll find artistic illustrations that’ll take you and your little one through a rousing game of peek-a-boo. Not only will this board book add a little joy to your storytime sessions, but it’ll also teach baby that they are important, beautiful and unique just as they are.

Age: 1 to 3 years

Here, Otis Redding's classic song “Respect”—a smash hit recorded by Aretha Franklin—has been reimagined as an empowering African American children’s book exploring the concept of mutual respect. Told through the eyes of a little girl, the iconic lyrics are paired with inspiring vignettes of a life full of endless possibilities. One thing’s for sure: You’ll be tapping your foot as you read this book aloud.

Age: 0 to 7 years

We've shared a bunch of children's books by Black authors, but this writer might especially pique your interest: Movie director (and household name) Spike Lee! The celebrity took a step away from the screen to pen a super-sweet book with his wife. The tale follows two adorable siblings and their new, feisty puppy.

Age: 2 to 8 years

Featuring trailblazing Black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is an inspiring read for parents and tots. Focused on extraordinary role models like Ella Fitzgerald, Oprah Winfrey and Katherine Johnson (to name a few!), this book illustrates the fact that little girls can grow up to achieve anything.

Age: 0 to 3 years

An alphabet board book is a must-have for toddlers and preschoolers. This pick was developed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and each letter is linked to a different trait kids can cultivate as they grow older. The Black children’s book supports the development of racial identity, the joy of human diversity and inclusion, a sense of justice and so much more.

Age: 0 to 7 years

Sulwe is a little girl who has skin as dark as the night sky, but spends her time wishing she were lighter, like her mom or the other children at her school. One night, though, she goes on a wondrous and heartwarming adventure amongst the stars, where she learns to find self-acceptance. Written by Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who was inspired by her own experiences growing up, Sulwe explores the complex emotions around colorism and aims to inspire and empower little kids to see the beauty in themselves, no matter the color of their skin.

Age: 3 to 8 years

Playing sports is a wonderful outlet for boys and girls alike. This book is a letter of encouragement to Black boys, and teaches them to apply the lessons they’ve learned as athletes—such as dedication, passion and determination—to the game of life.

Age: 2 to 6 years

Here’s a Black History Month book for kids that focuses on the work of the literary and art legends, Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Angelou’s powerful poetry is matched with Basquit’s paintings with amazing results. Plus, we love the message about the power of having faith in yourself.

Age: 3 to 7 years

Encourage your child to (literally) reach for the stars with the help of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.

Age: 4 to 8 years

Teach your little one to celebrate the beauty of natural hair, with a tender African American children’s book. In this charming yet modern tale, Zuri relies on her Daddy to give her an extra-special hairstyle.

Age: 4 to 8 years

Check out this empowering African American children’s book, inspired by a viral video. The plot follows Ayaan, a little Black boy who overcomes feelings of self-doubt with a positive attitude and positive affirmations from his Mom.

Age: 3 to 7 years

Get your little one to love their hair—and love taking care of it! Wash Day with Mama goes through each step of a mother and daughter’s hair-washing routine, from getting the hair care products together to drying off. This book solidifies the importance of self-care and familial relationships in your little one from a young age.

Age: 4 to 8 years

Pay tribute to the Jazz Age with a book as lively as the music it celebrates. Set to the tune of the song “This Old Man,” it teaches kids about the musical genre while helping with numbers.

Age: 4 to 7 years

Here, the work of renowned poet Langston Hughes appears in the form of a children's book. The lyrical story focuses on the bond between a Black mother and her child—talk about a beautiful piece to read to your little one.

Age: 4 to 7 years

Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison is a prolific writer who has had a huge and long-lasting impact on the literary world, which even the littlest of readers deserve to experience! This intricately designed children’s book is the perfect introduction to Toni Morrison’s life, and will hopefully inspire your little one to put pen to paper and express themselves through writing.

Age: 4 to 8 years

This brightly colored picture book follows Yadira, a little girl of Afro-Latin heritage, as she gets ready for her first day of school. Mami braids her beautiful curls into just-as-beautiful braids, passing the time with a story about the Goddess Oshún that comforts Yadi and encourages her to be herself. Not only is this book available in English and Spanish, but it even includes examples of different braided hairstyles at the end of the story that you and your little one can try out.

Age: 3 to 6 years

No kid should doubt themselves—a cause the book I Am Enough by activist and Empire actress Grace Byers fully stands behind. This wonderful read is all about being kind to others and, most importantly, to yourself.

Age: 4 to 8 years

There are few books as uplifting as this fun, fresh ode to Black barbershop culture and the beauty and power of hair. Full of beautifully detailed oil paintings, this pick is sure to be a favorite on your kiddo’s bookshelf.

Age: 3 to 8 years

This children's book is by two very special African American authors: Michael Jordan's mom and sister. The mother-daughter duo recounts the basketball star's journey to stardom in this inspiring storybook.

Age: 4 to 8 years

Last but certainly not least on our list of the best Black children’s books is this story about the impressive life of Harriet Tubman. Learn about the abolitionist's many different identities, from Underground Railroad hero to Union spy, in poetry form.

Age: 4 to 8 years