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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'”
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!
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.
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”.
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!
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.
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.
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.”
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”!
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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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