28 Awesome African American Children's Books for Little Readers

Searching for classic Black children's books? Take a stroll down memory lane with The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. It tells the story of Peter, a little boy who embarks on a winter adventure through his neighborhood. This charming tale has enduring appeal, so it’s no surprise to hear that the board book earned the top spot on New York Public Library's list of “Top Check Outs of All Time.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

This award-winning African American children’s book is one that should be on every family's shelf. Written for readers young and old, the illustrated book introduces the concept and power of antiracism to kids of all ages.

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.

This rhyming tale has a sing-song cadence that baby will love to hear out loud. Inspired by the giggle-inducing game of “this little piggy” (yes, you know the one!), this board book has lush illustrations and a simple narrative that’s perfect for infants and tots. Snuggle with your mini, and recite the story as you count their wiggly toes.

Next up is a sweet, read-aloud book by illustrator Ashley Barron. The playful tale compares newborns to baby animals, by illustrating the different yet strikingly similar activities they take part in each day. We love the colorful, cut-paper collage art depicting babies of all ethnicities with their caregivers.

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.

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.

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.

How about a modern-day fairy tale? In this whimsical story, Billy the female heroine battles a mythical beast to rescue her woodland friends. Discover her bravery and ingenuity as you and your little one enjoy the book’s fun illustrations.

Join Aya and her pet sloth Pete on their amazing adventures to Paris, London and New York. Created by a Black-owned business, the box set includes three hardcover books, packaged for travel in a convenient carry case.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Harlem Grown tells the true story of community spirit in NYC. Upon witnessing a lack of nutritious, affordable food in his area, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids transformed an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful, while learning about healthy eating and cooperation. It's a delightful tale about sustainability, food and how they (deliciously) intersect.

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.

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.

This powerful Black history book for kids tells the story of Ruby Bridges, the first African American girl to attend an otherwise all-white school. The power behind the story of courage, faith and hope continues to resonate more than 60 years later, so much so that it’s recognized as a top teacher’s pick on Amazon.

Looking for more African American children's books by Black writers? Check out the much-anticipated picture book by poet and activist Amanda Gorman. Written in lyrical prose, this uplifting tale follows a young girl leading a cast of diverse characters on a musical journey where they learn that they have the power to make changes—big and small—in the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.