African American Picture Books - Fiction

Picture books and read-alouds for small children.

Updated May 16, 2025
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Sparrow Loves Birds
Burgess, Murry
Paper Book
Meet Sparrow--a curious young birder eager to explore her neighborhood's surroundings--in this STEM picture book written by a professional wildlife ornithologist. "Amid recent efforts to diversify bird-watching, this inviting work is especially welcome....
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim
Commeh, Kobina/ Quintino, Br?bara (ILT)
Paper Book
★ "A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others" -- School Library Journal, starred review Kwesi doesn't know how to swim... and discovers his grandmother doesn't either! Can they...
The last stand
Eady, Antwan
Paper Book
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope. A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, BOOKPAGE, and SCHOOL...
Like so
Forman, Ruth
Paper Book
From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a lyrical and vibrant picture book honoring the love and bond that exists between family and child even in complicated times. Told from Nana's point of view, this simple,...
Brown Girl, Brown Girl
Honor,? Lesl/? Cabrera, Cozbi A. (ILT)
Paper Book
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?...
Do you know them?
Keller, Shana
Paper Book
A moving and triumphant picture book inspired by the printed newspaper ads placed by African Americans who were separated from family members by the Civil War, enslavement, and emancipation. After the war's end, everyone is missing someone. Lettie's missing her family. They had...
Captain America : Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You
Mbalia, Kwame/ Smith, Nikkolas (ILT)
Paper Book
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...
Before the ships : the birth of Black excellence
Oso, Maisha
Paper Book
Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebration of the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa prior to the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious text and evocative illustrations, that culminate into the strength and...
Summer is here
Watson, Renée
Paper Book
Celebrate iconic childhood joys in this love letter to summer featuring bright, sun-drenched art, from New York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson. Summer is here! No dark clouds in the sky, it's a perfect day for play. What joy...
Bros
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
A celebration of childhood from an award-winning author, this upbeat day-in-the-life of a bunch of friends was inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme that spurred a movement. From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best...
Homegrown
Wiley, DeAnn
Paper Book
A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes--and loved ones--that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street. While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what...

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