New and Recommended Children's Picture Books, Board Books, & Early Readers to celebrate Black History MonthUnpublished

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Hop on board for this tender family story, inspired by the author's own, and discover a dynamic chapter in American history--and the many trains people rode toward freedom. A must-have for home and classroom libraries. A CBC-NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book ...

This bounce-to-the-beat picture book by America's favorite rapping teacher from Chicago is a tribute to the sights and sounds of a city neighborhood and the special bond between brothers as they help each other overcome their fears.    Today is June 19th,...

Bursting with warmth and words of encouragement, this lyrical picture book celebrates growing up and believing in yourself--the perfect gift for graduations, birthdays, the first day of school, and beyond. You are brave. You are enough. You are...

Princess Truly takes the lead, across three rhyming stories perfect for beginning readers! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of...

Grounded in African Ubuntu philosophy, this lyrical picture book celebrates community and invites readers to lift up our neighbors. For fans for ALL THE WORLD and ALL ARE WELCOME comes a new classic that celebrates community. Your joy is my joy. My freedom is...

In his sophomore picture book, NBA superstar Stephen Curry encourages kids to embrace the differences that make them extraordinary! It's the first day of school for Zoe, a young girl with hearing loss who dreams of playing on her school's soccer team. But, self-conscious of her...

The Positive Power series introduce self-esteem and empathy to young readers. I Am Powerful is a fun and encouraging Step 2 Step Into Reading about believing in yourself! Even a young kid can make a difference in their community! I Am Powerful follows a young girl...

Amoya Blackwood is loud, bold and carefree. She always has the answer in class. And she knows just what to say to make her friends laugh. Amoya Blackwood shows up with a smile on her face. She enters a room and takes up space. But one day Amoya Blackwood starts noticing that the adults around her...

The Boss Baby meets Space Jam in this hilarious tale of a baby turned basketball superstar from NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, author Sam Apple, and illustrator Parker-Nia Gordon When a big kid teaches his little brother how to play basketball for the first time,...

A sweet and engaging seek-and-find story that follows the ups and downs of a lost balloon. What's better than holding onto a brand-new bright orange balloon? Oh no! What's worse than accidentally letting go of a bright orange...

Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin celebrates math for every kid, everywhere! Olivia wants to make a colorful birdhouse for summer. She starts painting a pattern of stripes on the roof but then oops!-messes up. Now what? Explore patterns in this playful story about creative problem...

Dear boy, Black boy, I believe in you so. Let's start your story-ready, set, go. From athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick to musician Sam Cooke, inventor Elijah McCoy to writer Chinua Achebe, there are so many inspirational men in Black history. Imagine what you can be...

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. Red is a rainbow color. Green sits next to blue. Yellow, orange, violet, indigo, They are rainbow colors, too, but...

From teen activist and artistic prodigy Tyler Gordon comes a heartwarming picture book inspired by his own life about a boy with a speech difference who learns the power of self-expression through art. There once was a young boy who had trouble with words. He paused and...

A stunning, poetic debut picture book from Pasha Westbrook about honoring one's roots and the unbreakable bond of familial love, brought to life with enchanting illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Madelyn Goodnight. Father braids my hair, just like his, scented...

Fireflies and mystic moon. Mystic moon and brilliant night. Filled with friends and firelight. On a hot summer night, Mother Moon soothes a little star baby who won't go to sleep. With her magic, she spins a warm, lyrical tale of friendship and fun: a dreamy summer evening set beneath a blanket of...

This powerful and hopeful picture book--inspired by the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris--celebrates brown and Black girls and is magnificently illustrated by a Caldecott Honor-winning artist. Brown girl, brown girl, what did you see?...

The Instant New York Times Bestselling Bunheads by Misty Copeland gets a second act. Misty and her bunhead crew are back! And this time, they're excited to learn the ballet Don Quixote-a wondrous tale about a brave knight searching for his Dulcinea, his one...

Princess Truly gardens and has fun with her friends, across three rhyming stories perfect for beginning readers! You can read with Acorn! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy...

New York Times best-selling author Kwame Mbalia and New York Times best-selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith explore the world of Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World. This new picture book is perfect for fans of Sam Wilson, Captain America. Set in...

Sam Wilson is Captain America! Join him as he takes up the legacy of Captain America's shield and fights as the new Sentinel of Liberty against enemies of peace and justice! Learn to read and join in the action as this brave hero and his allies save the world! ...

In this endearing picture book by superstar chef and beloved TV host Carla Hall, Carla's grandmother helps her turn things around when a game of dress-up leads to a fancy tea party gone wrong. Carla and her sister Kim love visiting their grandparents' home, where they can always...

A joyful Carnival book for kids ages 3-7 about the power of community, with vibrant illustrations and back matter introducing traditional holiday celebrations all around the world. Join Kayla, Mommy, and Granny as they get ready for Carnival, the biggest party of the year! ...

A Cinderella retelling with a young enslaved girl in the title role. On a Maryland plantation, CeeCee's story doesn't end with a prince, but a different type of rescue. By author-to-watch Shana Keller and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Honor and NAACP Image Award winner...

Full of color, attitude, and heart, this picture book is a perfect read aloud for all the dancers, move-busters, and boogie-downers in the family! A must-have for Father's Day! At last, the day of daddy-daughter dance is finally here! To get ready for their special night out,...

From the award-winning author and illustrator of Standing in the Need of Prayer comes a joyous picture book about an intergenerational Black family cooking a delicious feast and appreciating their quality time together. Aunts, uncles, cousins, all pitch in. ...

"This ghost story gave me chill after chill. It will haunt you." -- R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps "Do you know what it feels like to be forgotten?" On a cold winter night, Iris and her best friend, Daniel, sneak into a clearing in the woods to play in the freshly...

Follow Janey on a magical journey as she searches for her missing hoop earring! A perfect picture book for fans of The Queen of Kindergarten and Hair Love. Golden hoops are magic. That's what Mommy says. And Janey has always wanted her own pair of glowing golden hoops...

A touching and joyful celebration of siblinghood, by New York Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes Rasheed has the best big brother in the world! Anthony has been his hero from day one, making him feel safe during storms and included in all kinds of fun activities....

Based on the true story of one family's struggle for voting rights in the civil rights-era South, this moving tale shines an emotional spotlight on a dark facet of U.S. history. Life on the farm with Granddaddy is full of hard work, but despite all the chores, Granddaddy always...

A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"   "I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black...

This touching picture book takes a look at the beautiful relationship between a Black father and son when they spend the day at a barbershop. Perfect for Father's Day or all year round! Haircut day is just for me and Dad. We wake up early and grab breakfast to go. Our hair has...

Two starred reviews! Joy hums from this "glorious...beautifully styled" (Booklist, starred review) picture book celebration of the richness of the African heritage behind braids, locs, cornrows, and all manner of crowning glory, from ancient times to...

A beautiful ode to all bright brown baby girls and the fifth title in the acclaimed Bright Brown Baby series -- from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney! Hey, baby girl. Go change the world! Brimming with love and...

From Misty Copeland to Rosa Parks to Nina Simone, this picture book companion to Hair Like Obama's, Hands Like Lebron's is a celebration of Black history and excellence from powerhouse author Carole Boston Weatherford With a voice as bold as Beyoncé's, my...

A joyous exploration of imagination and finding inspiration, The Idea in You is the debut picture book from Questlove--New York Times bestselling author, six-time GRAMMY Award-winning drummer, producer, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker--and Coretta Scott King Honor Award...

Celebrate a Black boy's first haircut in this joyful book from the creator of the popular Princess Hair and Don't Touch My Hair! Jordan loves his hair: soft like a cloud, regal like a crown. He doesn't want a haircut to change all that....

Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation...

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.

Whenever James has earned enough money from doing small jobs for his neighbours, he buys himself a new kite. He hangs it in his closet with his other kites, where they remain just as James likes them: safe, tidy, just right. That is, until his little sister discovers them. GG has different ideas...

The creators of the award-winning Baby Goes to Market follow the family at dawn through the lively streets of Lagos, where they are selling lemons--and learning the letter L. L is for Lemons. L is for Lucky. L is for . . . ...

Lola's younger brother Leo is out to lunch with Daddy and Nana G in the latest Leo Can board book adventure! Leo can't wait to go out to an Italian meal with Daddy, Nana G, and of course, Mr. Seahorse. Leo learns table manners, sits in a special chair, and uses the fancy hand...

Lola's younger brother Leo explores the tastes, colors, and cultures of a busy Saturday market in a new Leo Can! adventure board book! A great read aloud and perfect gift for babies and toddlers that explores new experiences in the city with mommy and son. Leo and...

Leo, Lola's little brother, is back with a fun-filled day with Mom at the park! A perfect everyday read-aloud for little ones, this playful spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series is sure to delight. Leo is hot hot hot! So he and Mommy head to the park to cool...

From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom comes a joyful picture book set to "This Little Light of Mine." With a unique jacket and case cover, it's the perfect gift for all of life's milestones. This little light reflects

Libby loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Libby and her friends learn about solids, liquids, and gases. A great choice for aspiring scientists, new readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty's Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes activities, a glossary, and a fun science...

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books of the Year After a storm devastates the farm his parents have been renting, Junior moves with his family to...

Little Red Riding Hood like you've never seen before! This fractured fairy-tale will have kids in stitches as Little Red optimistically befriends Fred (who may or may not try to EAT Little Red), reminding readers to always see the best in others, even when they have sharp teeth and are definitely...

Lola's mommy is having another baby! In the latest Lola Reads book, join Lola and her growing family as they prepare to move into a larger space and settle into their new home. A sweet, early picture book for ages 2-5 to learn about how fun working together as a family can be while...

From a bestselling and award-winning husband and wife team comes an innovative, beautifully illustrated novel that delivers a front-row seat to the groundbreaking moments in history that led to African Americans earning the right to vote. "Right here, I'm sharing the honest-to...

Nothing like that baby hair, baby waby baby hair! A joyful celebration of newborns and toddlers, highlighting the beauty of their precious curls and coils. An inclusive and rhythmic celebration of babies and their ever-evolving hair, perfect for 3 to 7 year olds still rocking their...

From the award-winning creators of Baby Goes to Market comes a delicious tale of mischievous toddlers, juicy mangoes, and cunning monkeys--starring the letter M. Oh look . . . M is for Monkeys! Oh NO! M is for Mine! M is...

* FOUR STARRED REVIEWS * From Amber McBride, National Book Award finalist and Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe award-winning author, comes her debut picture book, a heartwarming story about one girl's magick-filled summer with her grandmother. She learns about hoodoo and rootwork...

The second title in a delightful new Level 2 I Can Read! series from acclaimed author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and illustrator Lydia Mba, starring Makeda, an exuberant seven-year-old "maker" and problem solver who loves to create. Perfect for readers who love Rosie Revere...

A young girl thrives in her big and chaotic family in this zany and exhilarating Level 1 Ready-to-Read! Meet May! May is part of a rambunctious and loving family of ten (plus one giant drooling dog). May and her seven siblings run amok and make a mess doing the simplest of things...

May and her siblings make homemade pizza for their big family in this second book in the zany and exhilarating Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about a lovable and rambunctious family of ten! May has a big family. And when they decide to make homemade pizza together, it keeps...

From the New York Times bestselling creator of HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDPA comes a charming new series of fun and family-centric milestone books, launching with a celebration of the most iconic of all beginnings: getting READY TO WALK! Taking your first steps is easy...

From the creator behind My Beautiful Black Hair and My Hair Is Like the Sun,this playful rhyming board book celebrates the joy of seeing yourself in the ones you love and embracing your unique self. Cornrows, curls, fros, and swirls!...

For anyone who struggles with sensory overload, this soothing picture book offers a touchstone of understanding and encouraging guidance for finding your own quiet place--whenever and wherever it's needed. In our loud and busy world, finding a moment or

When a young boy receives his first smock as a gift, his Dada tells him that every smock has a special story.  Will his smock make him as joyful as a harvest dancer Or as powerful as his royal elders, the Dagomba In his smock, what will his story be ...

When a boy's dads are away, it takes a giant leap and night of adventure to bring them home. A tender dreamscape story from the author of Boyogi and the illustrator of We Could Fly. As a little boy's window glows warmly against the cold night, he gets tucked into...

"An easy bedtime tale with a special affection for nighttime." - Kirkus Even long ago, there was day and night. The day was full of light and warmth, and people and animals alike rejoiced in the rays of the sun. But what happens when people get greedy and take...

This stunning, early-concept board book series features an intergenerational Black family over the course of a day at the local grocery store, as readers learn colors and numbers.  When Mom realizes there are zero eggs in the house, the entire family heads to...

There is a lot to do on the family farm! Read along in this sturdy board book perfect for children ages 0-3 as a boy helps his grandfather in this next installment of the Brown Baby Parade series. Papa's farm is big. There's so much work to do! Papa...

In this Newbery Honor novel, New York Times bestselling author Rita Williams-Garcia tells the story of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California, in 1968 to meet the mother who abandoned them. A strong option for summer reading--take this book along on a family road trip or enjoy...

A clever little girl outsmarts a silly hungry shark in this rhyming underwater read-aloud romp-perfect for ages 3-7. A clever little girl "with a net for catching pearls" meets a shark who wants nothing more than to eat her for dinner. Diving into these gorgeous pages, readers...

Jacqueline Woodson gives us a tender and moving story about two siblings who don't know what to expect when they're sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt, but soon discover that there's plenty of love to go around when they need it most, with stunning original art by Monica Mikai. ...

From the New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up comes a Level 1 Ready-to-Read about Parker vacationing in Portugal! Parker is going on a big adventure! She and her family are flying on a plane to visit her Papi and Nana in another country called...

The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with this Level 1 Ready-to-Read about Parker having a sleepover with her friends. Parker is so excited. She is having a slumber party with her friends! There will be games, crafts, and even cupcakes...

A poignant wordless picture book about a homeless boy and his mom, by Children's Literature Legacy Award winner James Ransome When a little boy's mom picks him up from school, his day seems a lot like any other kid's. He and his mom go out for some fast food and then head to the...

Play a bunch of different games in this playdate-in-a-book with small learnings and tender moments. This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. In this third book, the indoor...

How does a bear go to the ballet? A polar bear escapes into New York City in this heartfelt picture book from award-winning Afro-Latino artist Eric Velasquez. A wordless story of unlikely friendship that celebrates art and its ability to connect us. However, this picture book...

A sequel to Ruby Rene Had So Much to Say that explores the importance of listening, making new friends, and teamwork. Ruby Rene had so much to say...so she got her own segment on the school's morning announcements. But now Ruby's got a co-host! After an unexpected sick day...

The picture book inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film The Green Book Ruth was so excited to take a trip in her family's new car! In the early 1950s, few African Americans could afford to buy cars, so this would be an adventure. But she soon found out that Black travelers weren't...

A picture book that celebrates the community built at the hair salon and the dynamic variety of Black hairstyles! Today is the day! A little girl's first trip to the salon is a rite of passage, but choosing a new hairstyle is feeling like an impossible task! There...

An inspiring portrait of a monumental day in US history, seen through a child's eyes Agnes can hardly contain her excitement! She's headed to the March on Washington. Sitting on her father's shoulders, she's awed by the sea of people-people of every color, gathered together to be...

Ty rocks out with friends in this new book in the Geisel Honor-winning series! Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty's Travels: Showtime, a My First I Can Read story by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Music, imagination,...

This stirring book celebrates the history of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing"-aka the Black National Anthem-and how it inspired five generations of a family. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the...

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2025 César must solve a bedtime mystery in this fun, child-centric story about family life with a working single mother. There's a big mystery in little César's life. Every night he falls asleep in his own bed but every morning he wakes up at...

A tall tale inspired by the life and works of American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston Small-girl Zora knows her stories are going to change the world. Although her neighbors might not believe her outlandish tales, she's sure they're the key to ending...

When Katie asks her dad how many stars there are, he suggests they take a trip to the planetarium. There, along with JoJo, Katie learns all about constellation, planets, and more. What other discoveries does sparkling space hold for the friends?

Fun, lyrical, and electric, Specs is the follow-up picture book to the beloved Kicks, from award-winning poet Van G. Garrett and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown. This is a love letter to glasses. But not just any glasses. Only the shiniest, flyest, you-est specs you can...

The third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling and NAACP Image Award-winning Stacey's Stories picture book series, from Stacey Abrams and artist Kitt Thomas. Stacey and her friends can't wait for lunchtime on Friday, also known as TacoPizza FryDay! But when Stacey...

Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis's (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors. When Dante...

When Sumaya discovers a busy woodpecker in her backyard, she worries the bird could be hurting its head and neck. She sets out to create some inventions to help protect the bird. How will Sumaya solve the woodpecker problem?

Celebrate Juneteenth with this empowering picture book! On June 19th, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans were finally freed in Galveston, Texas. Every year, our community comes together to honor this special day. We play hopscotch, eat spice cake, and listen to music,...

A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds's debut picture book is a snappy, joyous ode to Word King, literary genius, and glass-ceiling smasher Langston Hughes and...

In this stirring and powerfully illustrated story, an enslaved young man uses his ability to read and write to educate others in the pursuit of freedom. Back inside the store I write up receipts for Master's deliveries for Master's orders...

In this heartwarming celebration of sisterhood, three girls explore the natural world and discover the harmony of being the littlest, middle, and oldest sister. Haala, the middle sister, loves to follow along behind her older sister, Sanaa, on their outdoor adventures. But her...

Model and mother to twin boys, Porsche Thomas presents this Step 2 leveled reader about sibling differences and the importance of unconditional love. Perfect for children recognizing familiar words while sounding out new ones with help. All twins look and act the same, right?

A young girl spends a magical day in her grandad's painting studio, discovering the joy of art, music, and the special bond they share. By the granddaughter of legendary Caldecott Medal-winning children's book illustrator Jerry Pinkney. Step into the warm, jazz-filled world of a...

A Level 1 I Can Read story for the child who says, "I want to be an artist when I grow up!" And for any child interested in the many ways people can have a career making art. Visit art shows and workspaces with Papa and his grandchild, soaking in all the art along the way, in...

Activists Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab present a poetic anthem to your brilliance, your beauty, your very existence. Every child has the right to be free. . . the right to reach. . . the right to dream. . . This lyrical affirmation of what freedom truly means celebrates the...

An empowering follow-up to New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter that celebrates the rich history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustration. Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love,...

A Golden Kite Award Winner for Picture Book Text A walk through their bustling city neighborhood brings a girl and her grandfather closer together in this gentle, contemplative picture book that's "a reminder of the importance of being in the world with unhurried attention and...

Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde shares her love of words with new readers in this level 1 Step Into Reading book. A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Words are magic! Have you heard? Pick a letter. Make a word!

Eight-year-old Ariel is an Afro-Caribbean mer-girl who lives under the sea in magical Atlantica with her family and friends in Disney Junior Ariel, areimagined version of The Little Mermaid. Her friends Sebastian and Flounder return from the classic tale, but Ariel also meets...