List of Children's books for little black girls and boys

33 MORE Children’s Books for Black Girls and Boys

by Kaya Marriott

Looking for children’s books for little Black girls and boys? Look no further.

You all loved the list, 30 Awesome Picture Books Uplifting Black Kids with Natural Hair, so much that it truly blew me away. I was so excited by how many people saw value in it, and shared it with their friends, family, and local educators!

While the first list focused heavily on Natural Hair and Self-Love books for little black girls, this one has a lot more stories of black children just being kids (something that is so important!).

This list, Part 2, features books almost entirely made up by responses to the original! These are your recommendations!

*This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, if you click them and make a purchase, I may make a small commission (which helps support the growth of this blog).*

First, because this blog does focus on Black Hair…

We’ll start with the Natural Hair Books for little black girls and boys:

1. My Hair is Poofy & That’s Okay by Nikkolas Smith

My Hair is Poofy & That’s Okay is a beautifully illustrated book by NAACP nominated author/illustrator Nikkolas Smith, where the main character explores the diverse features around her.

My Hair is Poofy & That's okay - Nikkolas Smith | Black Childrens Books by black authors

2. Marisol’s Hair by India Kelvonia, Illustrated by Baobab Publishing

Marisol’s Hair is the story of Marisol, a girl who’s hair just won’t stop growing. After running away and hiding in a tower, she’ sees a girl in trouble. She must decide between staying safe in the tower, or helping someone in need.

Marisol's Hair by India Kelvonia - Book for Black Children with Big Curly Hair

3. Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

Princess Hair is yet another book from the talented Sharee Miller. This one showcases all the ways hair can be styled. It’s perfect, it’s one of the most recommended uplifting books for little black girls.

Sharee Miller - Princess Hair. Books for Little Black Girls / African American Girls.

4. Nappy Hair by Carolina Herron, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Nappy Hair is written in a “call and response” style. It’s the story of Brenda’s “nappy” hair. I find it fascinating how earlier books on Natural Hair all used the word “Nappy”, even though many black people will cringe upon hearing it. But still, I think there is still value in these books.

Nappy Hair by Carolina Herron, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Black/African American author.

5. MyLuv’s Special Hair by Nyoki Harrison, Illustrated by Rachael Scotland

MyLuv’s Special Hair is the story of a young girl who learns to to showcase her confidence, empowering young kids to love themselves and their hair.

MyLuv's Special Hair by Nyoki Harrison, Illustrated by Rachael Scotland. Books for little black girls.

6. My Hair is Beautiful… Because it’s Mine by Paula Dejoie

My Hair is Beautiful… Because it’s Mine is a playful, rhyming book with illustrations of children with African-American hair styles. A bonus that it has a black boy on the cover! It’s hard to find books featuring #BlackBoyJoy.

My Hair is Beautiful... Because it's Mine. Inspirational Self Love book. Books for black girls and boys. (By Payla Dejoie)

7. Hair, it’s a Family Affair by Mylo Freeman

Hair, it’s a Family Affair highlights the joys of Natural Hair, with colourful Illustrations. A beautiful book for young black boys and girls.

Hair, It's a Family Afair by Mylo Freeman. Children's Book Featuring a Black Family with different Natural Hairstyles.

8. Boonoonoonous Hair by Olive Senior, Illustrated by Laura James

In the beautifully illustrated Boonoonoonous Hair, a young girl learns to love her “difficult-to-manage, voluminous and boonoonoonous hair'”

Boonoonoonous Hair! By Olive Senior, Illustrated by Laura James. Story Book about a little Black Girl with Natural Hair.

9. Little Girl Brown, Where’s Your Crown? By Caedence Baylee

The author of Little Girl Brown, Where’s Your Crown? was seven years old when she wrote it, and this young black girl is still pumping out more books!

Story for little black girls: Little Girl Brown, Where's Your Crown? Written by Caedence Baylee. Books for Black Girls

10. My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabera

My Hair is a Garden After being bullied for her “unruly hair’ Mackenzie seeks comfort from her neighbor, Miss Tillie. In this book, her the beautiful garden in the back yard is used as a metaphor for beautiful hair. A great way to inspire black children to love their hair, and enjoy taking care of it.

My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera. A book about a black (African-American Girl) learning to love her hair.

11. Crown: an Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Gordon C. James

Finally, another book for little black boys. Crown: an Ode to the Fresh Cut is a rhythmic story that celebrates the “self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair”.

Some Black Boy Joy (#BlackBoyJoy) for you: Crown: An ode to the fresh cut by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Gordon C. James. Book for African American Boys

12. Glonda’s Hair by Christopher & Kaydence Clark

Glonda is an adventurous four year old who is in love with her natural hair and all it can do!

Glonda's Hair by Cristopher & Kaydence Clark. Children's book for black hair

13. Penny and the Magic Puffballs by Alonda Williams

In Penny and the Magic Puffballs, Penny wanted her hair “down” like the other girls. (Man do I relate to that one). When her mom styles her hair in “Magic puffballs” she goes on fun adventures, and discovers the magic in her hair.

Penny and the Magic Puffballs by Alonda Williams | Book about black hair / natural hair Books for little black girls.

Books Teaching Black Boys and Girls empowerment and Self-Love (Not Just Focused on Hair)

14 & 15. Loving Me Series by Angelot Ndongmo

The Loving Me series is another set of books that encourages young black kids to love themselves the way they are. There is one targeted at young girls (focusing on hair), and one towards young boys.

Loving Me Series by Angelot Ndogmo. Books for little black girls teaching self-love
Loving Me Series by Angelot Ndogmo. Black Boy Joy, Children's book for little black boys, teaching self love. | Boy! I am Loving me!

16. Beautiful Me by Onesha Owens, Illustrated by Megan Daniels

Beautiful Me is another children’s story inspiring self-love. “She loves the reflection she sees when she looks in the mirror. What some people may see as flaws when they look at her, she finds those things to be beautiful.”

Beautiful Me by Onesha Owens, Illustrated by Megan Daniels. Children's book for black kids. Self Love Book for Black Girls

17. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont, Illustrated by David Catrow

I Like Myself is a rhyming board book with fun illustrations, and it is an “ode to self-esteem”!

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont, Illustrated by David Catrow

18. Nina Bonita by Ana Maria Machado, Illustrated by Rosana Fario, Translated by Elena Iribarren

This one was an interesting find, and was recommended by a number of people on Twitter. Originally a story in Spanish, Nina Bonita is story about a white rabbit who wants to paint itself black to be as dark and beautiful as the girl next door.

Nina Bonita by Ana Maria Machado, Illustrated by Rosana Fario, Translated by Elena Iribarren

19. Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Black is a Rainbow Color is a debut from Angela Joy. There are so many colours in the rainbow, but not Black, yet it is all around us. This story is a celebration of blackness, and an “anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on”.

Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Books for Black Girls

20. The Joys of Being a Black Boy by Valerie Reynolds, Illustrated by Chris Turner

The Joys of Being a Black Boy takes us through history, celebrating notable black men who were all at one point, little black boys.

The Joys of Being a Black Boy by Valerie Reynolds, Illustrated by Chris Turner. Book for Black Boys

21. The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

The Colors of Us celebrates the similarities and the differences in the people around us. A young girl goes for a walk, noting all the different shades of brown around her.

 The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

22 . Why Am I Me? by Paige, Britt Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko

Why Am I Me? follows two children unknowingly asking the same question. A book that celebrates diversity, connection, and empathy.

Why Am I Me? by Paige, Britt Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko

Children’s Books that aren’t about Hair or Being Black, but feature Children of Color

23. Rolling into Peace (Speaking Green) by Erica D Babino, Illustrated by Robinson Pyles

Rolling into Peace teaches children about mediation and conflict resolution. It talks about the types of words that can stop a conversation and those that can encourage dialogue.

Rolling into Peace (Speaking Green) by Erica D Babino, Illustrated by Robinson Pyles

24. Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival

Ruby’s Worry follows a little black girl with… well, with a worry. As it continues to grow, making her more and more sad, Ruby wants to learn how to get rid of it, and feel like herself again.

This is a great tool for children, an opening to talk to kids about things that bother them, and how to handle them.

Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival. Book for anxious little Black Girls

25. Liza Lou And The Yeller Belly Swamp by Mercer Mayer

With her quick thinking Liza Lou manages to outwit all the haunts, gobblygooks, witches, and devils in the Yeller Belly Swamp.

Liza Lou And The Yeller Belly Swamp by Mercer Mayer

26. Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones, Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Izzy Gizmo is an inventor, and sometimes her inventions don’t quite work out. But when she sees a little crow in need, she has to help! This book will inspire Black girls to invent.

Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones, Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. Inspirational book for Black Girls

27. What If… By Samantha Berger, Illustrated by Mike Curato

In What If… readers get taken along on adventure that shows the magic and power of the imagination.

What If... By Samantha Berger, Illustrated by Mike Curato

28. Dancing In the Wings by Debbie Allen, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Dancing in the Wings would have been such an inspirational book to have as a little Black girl (as I was a dancer, and didn’t see much imagery that reflected my experience). This story was written by the Debbie Allen, an absolute force in the dance world.

Dancing In the Wings by Debbie Allen, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Story about a black ballerina. Inspirational books for little black girls.

29. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts

Looking for a book to encourage kids to get into STEM? Look no further. Go pick up Ada Twist, Scientist. This book is part of a collection by Andrea Beaty featuring different kids in inspiring roles.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts | Children's book about black kids in STEM

30. I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, Illustrated by Frank Morrison

An adorable story about a girl who hears the rhythm in everything around her, I Got the Rhythm is full of vibrant illustrations.

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, Illustrated by Frank Morrison. Fun books for little black girls.

31. Too Many Tickles! By Thomas Taylor, Illustrated by Penny Dann

Too Many Tickles! is meant to get you and the kids tickling and laughing. An adorable and fun read, where black kids can also see themselves on the page!

Too Many Tickles! By Thomas Taylor, Illustrated by Penny Dann

Activity and Coloring Books

32. Coloring and Activity Fun Book by J.D.Wright

This is an adorable coloring and activity book that showcases a bunch of different natural hairstyles for Black girls! It’s filled with 100 pages of activities!

 Coloring and Activity Fun Book by J.D.Wright | Colouring Book for Black Kids, featuring different Natural Hair Styles. Activity books for little black girls.

33. I Need You to Know: The ABC’s of Black Girl Magic by Lora McClain-Muhammad, Illustrated by Asia Lewis-Ross

I absolutely love the premise of I Need You to Know: The ABC’s of Black Girl Magic. It’s educational, inspirational, and FUN, because well, it’s a colouring book!

I Need You to Know: The ABC's of Black Girl Magic by Lora McClain-Muhammad, Illustrated by Asia Lewis-Ross. Activity books for little black girls.

So, what do you think of this list of children’s books for little black girls and boys? Make sure you SHARE far and wide. Not only are these books phenomenal to add to your shelf, many are written by black authors! Show them support!

While you’re at it, check out and share the 1st list of children’s books!

If you have any of these books, let us know which ones below! If you have any recommendations for a part 3, let me know those too!

Related Post: Saccheen Laing and her Book for Black Boys: Thrones not Cells

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33 MORE Children\'s Books for Black Girls and Boys

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