Staff Picks
#OwnVoices: The Black Joy in Picture Books
- Taelor J.
- Wednesday, February 09, 2022
Collection
"Black children lose teeth, learn to walk and talk, start Kindergarten, and tussle with siblings just as all children do, so books portraying them in these and all scenarios is not just appropriate, it should be the norm." - Kelly J. Baptist, author
Below are Joyful books that reflect the everyday happenings in the lives of young black children.
I Am Brown
Published in 2020
"I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in--of being brown, of being amazing, of being you" -- Amazon.com
The Electric Slide and Kai
Published in 2021
Everyone in the Donovan family can dance--and has a dance nickname--except Kai, but his family helps him practice his moves to prepare for his aunt's wedding reception.
Crown
An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Published in 2017
Celebrates the magnificent feeling that comes from walking out of a barber shop with newly-cut hair.
The King of Kindergarten
Published in 2019
Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten.
I Am Every Good Thing
Published in 2020
Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child.
Gator, Gator, Gator!
Published in 2018
A fearless little girl takes off in search of a giant gatorbut shes not going into that swamp alone! No way! She wants YOU, the reader, to come along. Off you go, peering through the lush landscapes, looking for that gator! But each time you think you see it? Oops! Just a fox. Or some ducks! Or a snake. Maybe youll never find the gator, gator, gator...With stunning illustrations from Sendak Fellow Frann Preston-Gannon, readers experience the feeling of being on a real adventure deep in the swamp. Rhyming, repeating, and exhilarating, the text is a delightful read-aloud romp that will entertain and make everyones heart skip a beat!
Soul Food Sunday
Published in 2021
Granny teaches her young grandson how to cook the family meal, in this celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table. Includes recipe for baked macaroni and cheese.
Grandma's Purse
Published in 2018
"When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, her granddaughter cannot wait to see what treasures she has hidden in her purse."-- Provided by publisher.
I Am Perfectly Designed
Published in 2019
A father and son share a day in the city and a conversation about what they love about each other.
Brown Baby Lullaby
Published in 2020
An illustrated lullaby featuring a busy, independent, beloved brown baby being prepared for bedtime.
Rocket Says Look Up!
Published in 2019
Aspiring astronaut Rocket draws her community together to see a rare appearance of the Phoenix Meteor Showers, hoping especially that her big brother, Jamal, will look up from his phone.
All Because You Matter
Published in 2020
A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.
Zuri Ray Tries Ballet
Published in 2021
Zuri Ray loves trying extraordinary new things but when Jessie, her Best Friend From Diapers, chooses ballet Zuri Ray finds it too challenging until the teacher encourages her to be herself.
Hair Love
A Celebration of Daddies and Daughters Everywhere
Published in 2019
A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.
Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner
Published in 2021
Inspired by the rich tradition of African American reunions, a multigenerational story follows the experiences of young Ruby, who helps loved ones prepare the foods they are bringing while trying to think of a signature dish of her own.
Magic Like That
Published in 2021
While her mother works magic styling her hair, a young Black girl recalls how her hairstyles can reflect the natural world and show that her hair can be elegant, mischievous, or whimsical.
Magnificent Homespun Brown
A Celebration
Published in 2020
Joyful young narrators celebrate feeling at home in one's own skin.
Red Shoes
Published in 2020
Malika loves her new red shoes and wears them everywhere, but eventually she outgrows them, and her grandmother takes them to a second-hand shop--where they will become a special present for Amina (who fasted half the month of Ramadan) in Africa, who will enjoy her special red shoes every bit as much as Malika did.
Boogie Boogie, Y'all
Published in 2021
Lively and colorful with a read-aloud beat, this picture book celebrates the rich culture of the Boogie Down Bronx, inviting readers to an epic block party!
Not Quite Snow White
Published in 2019
Tameika is excited to audition for the school's Snow White musical, but when she overhears her classmates say she is too tall, chubby, and brown to play Snow White, she questions whether she is right for the part.
Change Sings
A Children's Anthem
Published in 2021
"As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes--big or small--in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves"-- Provided by publisher.
Black Magic
Published in 2010
Presents a poem celebrating the African-American experience and what it means to be part of a strong, proud, and free people.
Going Down Home with Daddy
Published in 2019
Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.
Zip, Zoom!
Published in 2020
Ty cannot wait to ride his new scooter, but when he has a hard time learning and wants to quit, a new friend encourages him to give it another try.
Hands Up!
Published in 2019
"A young girl lifts her hands up in a series of everyday moments before finally raising her hands in resistance at a protest march"-- Provided by publisher.
Stella's Stellar Hair
Published in 2021
Stella travels planet to planet visting her aunties looking for a stellar hairdo for the Big Star Little Gala, but she is not convinced by any of their suggestions.
Saturday
Published in 2019
When all of their special Saturday plans go awry, Ava and her mother still find a way to appreciate one another and their time together.
Thank You, Omu!
Published in 2017
When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit.
Puppy Truck
Published in 2019
Carter gets a truck instead of a much wanted puppy, but he soon discovers his new toy is just as fun and rascally as a pet.
Cool Cuts
Published in 2020
"An illustrated, joyful celebration of African-American boys' hairstyles"-- Provided by publisher.
Happy Hair
Published in 2019
"A visual and rhyming celebration of African-American girls' hair"-- Provided by publisher.
I'm Growing Great
Published in 2022
"Girls' growth and positivity are celebrated in this garden-themed inspirational book"-- Provided by publisher.
M is for Melanin
A Celebration of the Black Child
Published in 2021
An alphabet book empowers young African Americans to love themselves and their culture.
Mary Had a Little Glam
Published in 2016
"Mary had a little glam that grew into a lot. And everywhere that Mary went, she wasn't hard to spot. But on the day she started school, she caught some by surprise. Sweet Mary shrugged and hugged her mom. "I must accessorize."'--Page 4 of cover.
When My Cousins Come to Town
Published in 2021
"Every summer a young girl looks forward to her cousins coming to town. All the cousins have nicknames for themselves, and this summer the young girl is determined to earn her own nickname as well"-- Provided by publisher.
My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
Published in 2020
Told in rhyming text, a young African American boy, stuck inside on a rainy day, uses his imagination to create a rocket ship out of a rocking chair and takes off on an trip to a distant planet.
Brown Sugar Babe
Published in 2020
"When a little girl has doubts about the color of her skin, her mother shows her all the wonderful, beautiful things brown can be! This message of self-love and acceptance uses rich, dreamy illustrations to celebrate the color using all the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing" -- Amazon.com
My Daddy Rules the World
Poems About Dads
Published in 2017
"A picture book of poems that celebrate fathers from a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor-winning poet"-- Provided by publisher.