Picture Books by Black Authors & Illustrators

This is a brand new favorite at our house. The words tell the story of an old truck growing older on a family farm, but the pictures tell the story of the family growing up alongside it. It's so clever and the retro style illustrations are perfection. A phenomenal picture book!

This is an empowering, upbeat book about confidence and Black joy. It's a celebration of Black boys, but it's a beautiful and inspiring book that ALL children can learn from and appreciate. The illustrations are stunning! It's been a favorite read aloud at my house since I brought it home.

We LOVE this book! It's a beautiful story about a girl who wants her skin to be lighter like her sister. But after a magical journey into the stars she learns to appreciate her midnight skin. It's a gorgeous book about learning to love your own unique beauty.

This is a stunning picture book biography about Harriet Tubman. Did you know that in addition to being the underground railroad liberator that we now think of her as, she was also a suffragist, and a nurse, and a Union spy? This is a must read!

This book begins like this: "Great-Grandmother Nell is scary." Don't you love it already? I had a grandma that was a little scary when I was a kid, so I was hooked right away! This book was inspired by the author's real great-grandmother who might have been a little grumpy on the outside, but was a fascinating person. It's a fantastic story!

Freedom Soup is a New Year's tradition in Haiti and this fun and lively picture book tells you all about it. It's an absolute delight to read aloud.

Parker Curry was just a little girl when she first saw Michelle Obama's portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. The experience was so powerful that her and her mother turned it into this wonderful picture book. Get your hands on this one as fast as possible.

This book moved me to tears the first time I read it. Otis and his mama are struggling financially, but even though they are barely scraping by Otis is determined to help another family who recently lost everything in a fire. It's a beautiful book about giving from the heart.

We were so excited last year when this won the Caldecott award - it was one of our top picture book picks too! It's a spectacular illustrated poem about Black life and American history. The illustrations are phenomenal.

Omu is making her special stew, but it smells so good that it's bringing in people from all over the neighborhood. Generous Omu wants to give everyone stew, but will she have enough for herself? Read and find out!

Because Mama works all week, Saturday is her special day with her daughter. But on this Saturday all their special plans seem to be going wrong. Mama feels bad until she realizes that her daughter is happy just to be spending time together. I adore this book!

This book perfectly captures all the feelings, both good and bad, that come with a new beginning and a step into the unknown. It's a great book to read at the start of a new school year, or really anytime you need a little confidence boost.

This book celebrating natural Black hair is a delight to read. The book is based on the popular short film, also by Matthew Cherry.

Misty Copeland is not just an amazing dancer, she's also pretty darn good at writing children's books. This, her debut picture book, tells the poetic story of a young dancer dealing with self-image issues. It's a great book to open a powerful dialogue.

This book has won a whole pile of awards, and for good reason - it is a must read! It's a high-energy book with a wonderful read aloud rhythm about a mighty fine trip to the barbershop. Excellent!

Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel to space and this adorable picture book is a great way to introduce her story to young readers.

Tameika loves the stage and is excited when her school announces their Snow White musical. She wants to audition for the lead role, but her confidence is shaken when she hears people whispering that she's "not quite right" for the part. It's a wonderful story about self-confidence and what to to do when it takes a hit.

This is an excellent book about a real-life famous book store in Harlem. The author's personal connection to the story makes it an even more wonderful read!

This picture book biography tells the largely unknown story of Bass Reeves. He was born into slavery but became a feared and respected lawman in the wild west territories. It's a fascinating story!

This is the true story of the famous Pendelton Round-Up in 1911. Three men were in the final round of the big rodeo, but when the Black man wins the judge declares someone else the winner. Luckily, the people watching weren't okay with such injustice and they make sure George Fletcher becomes the people's champion. It's a really great story!

This is a really touching book about two sisters and their first day of school wearing hijab. It's an age appropriate look at racism and also the beauty of different cultures.

This wordless book is the most stunning version of the classic Lion and Mouse fable that you'll ever find. It's a Caldecott winner and a must have for every home library!

All of Jerry Pinkney's fairytale books are superb (check them all out!) but this one is my kids' favorite. The illustrations are perfection!

If you need a reminder that You matter, this is the book to read. It's clever and sweet and so beautifully executed.

When a little girl comes home from school frustrated that people can't pronounce her beautiful name, her mother teachers her all about the music and beauty in African, Latin, and Middle Eastern Names. It's really fun to read aloud.

This is a poetic manifesto for Black children everywhere - you matter! It's a really emotional and magical book.

I'm a sucker for a good grandparent book and this one checks all the boxes! It's pure pleasure reading about this grandma and her purse full of treasures.

This poetic celebration is a fantastic read aloud story, but honestly, it's the illustrations that first stole my heart. This one is adorable from start to finish!

We've read this one so many times, I think I might have it memorized. It's practically perfect story about a boy and his grandmother taking the bus across town. The boy has a lot of questions for his grandma about why they always have to go to the dirty part of town, and her answers couldn't be more perfect.

I had to include this one because my son is a HUGE fan. Pull this one out for all your construction/vehicle loving kids. The rhyming story is fun, but those illustrations will really pull you in!