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Picture books are an amazing learning tool! Children can learn about different things, identify with the characters and so much more.
To celebrate Black History Month, here are just some of our favourite storybooks by Black authors and/or illustrators!
We've also included Amazon links for you to check these out (via affiliate links).
We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman & Dapo Adeola
This original story follows the adventures of Charlie and Eddie who are on a hunt for the mighty monster aka their big brother! To find him they must travel over oceans, mountains and even through jungles, encountering wild creatures along the way. This fun tale is perfect for storytime!
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o & Vashti Harrison
Written by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, this story of Sulwe introduces children to the concepts of colourism, self-confidence, and inner beauty. Sulwe is a story about a little girl who is not happy with her skin tone but by going on a magical adventure, she opens her mind to her natural beauty.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Look Up! By Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola
This space-themed storybook follows a little girl named Rocket who wants to be an astronaut. All she wants to do is follow in the footsteps of her hero Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.
Packed with fun facts about meteors and space, this isn’t just a charming picture book but also challenges traditional gender norms!
Click here to view it on Amazon.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson
This beautifully illustrated storybook follows CJ and his grandma as they are about to board the bus for their weekly journey across town. CJ becomes disappointed as he learns they can’t drive there like his friend, but CJ’s grandma helps remind him of the beauty and fun in their routine and daily life. Highlighting the importance of being thankful for what you have.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
'Mansa Musa Builds A School’ by Louisa and Oladele Olafuyi
This inspiring storybook is full of rhythmic rhyming wonder. It follows Mansa Musa, the loved leader of the Mali Empire and tells a fictional story of him building a school in his community.
Teaching generosity and the importance of helping others along the way!
Click here to view it on Amazon.
'Lily and The Magic Comb’ by V V Brown
Written by singer-songwriter, model and record producer, V V Brown, Lily and The Magic Comb teaches the value of embracing your natural hair and the power there is in doing so.
The story follows Lily, who is gifted a comb for her birthday. This magical comb that can teleport her to wherever she wants, by simply combing her locks. Full of fantastic adventures, the book teaches children to embrace and be proud of their natural look.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
‘Tiana Eat Up’ by Akitoye Sunday
This self-published storybook tells the tale of young Tiana who learns the importance of trying new things and not judging a book by its cover.
Written by Akitoye Sunday, the story encourages little ones to be open to trying new things. Also touching on the bond between children and their grandparents as the tale centres around Tiana visiting her grandmother
Click here to view it on the authors online store.