This Black history month, share picture books that tell stories of Black joy, love and excellence.
Another, by Christian Robinson
Kids will love making up their own story for this wordless picture book featuring a little girl and her cat who crawl through a portal and enter a wild and colorful world. Robinson has brought his vibrant illustration style to many other picture books, including Twenty Questions, which comes out in March 2023.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
This book celebrates Black jazz musician and composer Melba Doretta Liston, who taught herself to play trombone. If this book sparks a love of trombones in young readers, don’t miss Trombone Shorty, a biography of modern jazz trombonist Troy Andrews.
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day is a beloved classic, but he wrote many other books too! This story reunites readers with Snowy Day character Peter, who longs to learn to whistle for his dog.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington
Learn the story of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel in space, in this inspiring book with gorgeously painted scenes of the universe.
Tar Beach, by Faith Ringgold
Harlem-born artist Faith Ringgold has written and illustrated more than 20 children’s books. Her classic Tar Beach tells the story of a little girl named Cassie who imagines flying over New York city while recalling the triumphs and trials of her family. Watch Ringgold read the story here.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Highlight the history of Black American heroes in civil rights, the arts, sports and more with this spectacular, and often heartbreaking, book. Alexander, a poet, performs the book in this video.
