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11 Children's Books by Black Authors and Illustrators for Under 5s
Sharing stories with your little one is a lovely way to spend time together, spark their imagination and introduce them to different people, places and experiences.
Children's books can also help little ones see themselves and their families represented in the stories they read, while discovering lives and experiences that may be different from their own.
To celebrate Black History Month, we've put together a selection of 11 children's books by Black authors and illustrators to enjoy together. From playful adventures and familiar family moments to stories celebrating identity, creativity and big dreams, there's something for different ages and interests.
Whether you're looking for a new bedtime story or something to share during a quiet afternoon, these books are a lovely place to start.
Look Up! by Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola
Ideal for: 3 years +
A joyful, energetic story about Rocket, a science-loving girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Full of fun, curiosity and confidence, Look Up! is fantastic for encouraging children — especially girls — to follow their dreams.
Follow-up titles: Clean Up! and Speak Up! continue Rocket’s adventures while exploring caring for the planet and standing up for others.
Available from: Waterstones | Amazon
Hey You! by Dapo Adeola
Ideal for: 4 years +
An empowering, beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates growing up Black.
With contributions from 18 Black illustrators, this book is filled with hope, affirmation, and encouragement — a wonderful read for preschoolers and older siblings alike.
Available from: Waterstones | Amazon
Jo Jo and Gran Gran series by Laura Henry-Allain MBE
Ideal for: 3 years +
Based on the beloved CBeebies series, these books follow JoJo and her Gran Gran through everyday adventures, from baking to visiting the park. Warm, relatable and full of love, the series celebrates multigenerational family life and cultural pride.
Available from: Waterstones | Amazon
The Mega Magic Hair Swap! by Rochelle Humes
Ideal for: 0 - 5 years
A fun, vibrant story about two best friends who wish they could swap hair — and what happens when their wish comes true! It’s a brilliant book for talking about differences, self-esteem and learning to love yourself just as you are.
Available from: Waterstones | Amazon
Luna Loves Art by Joseph Coelho & Fiona Lumbers
Ideal for: 2 - 5 years
Written by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, this tender story follows Luna as she explores an art gallery and learns that families come in all shapes and sizes. It’s a gentle way to talk about feelings, creativity and belonging — and the illustrations are just beautiful.
Available from: Waterstones | Amazon
Baby Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson & Andrea Pippins
Ideal for: 0 - 2 years
A wonderful introduction to inspiring Black figures from around the world, written for the very youngest readers. Simple text and bold illustrations make it ideal for under 5s — sparking early curiosity about people who have shaped our world.
Available from: Waterstones | Amazon
Daddy Is Cleaning by Angel Dike & Ebony Glenn
Ideal for: 2 - 5 years
A funny, heart-warming story about a baby who wants to help Daddy clean — but seems to make even more mess along the way.
A relatable celebration of everyday family life, perfect for little ones who love joining in with the things grown-ups do.
Available from: Amazon | Nosy Crow Publishing
Goldilocs by Ella McLeod & Rochelle Falconer
Ideal for: 3 - 5 years
A playful, rhyming twist on the familiar Goldilocks fairy tale, with a heroine who doesn't want to follow the usual rules.
Full of humour and colourful illustrations, this story celebrates individuality and encourages children to be themselves.
Available from: Amazon | Waterstones
Kid Rex to the Rescue by Mayo Agard-Olubo & Diane Ewen
Ideal for: 3 years +
Max transforms his messy bedroom into an exciting superhero adventure, complete with dinosaurs, robots and a mission to save Toy Town.
Packed with imagination, humour and action, this is a brilliant choice for little ones who love dinosaurs and make-believe.
Available from: Amazon | Waterstones
My Rice Is Best! by Selina Brown & Maxwell A. Oginni
Ideal for: 3 years +
Shane loves his mum's rice and peas, but when his friend Yinka brings jollof rice to school, a debate begins about which rice is the best.
A colourful, funny story about food, friendship and cultural pride, with plenty to spark conversations about the different dishes families enjoy.
Available from: Waterstones | World of Books
Small's Big Dream by Manjeet Mann & Amanda Quartey
Ideal for: 3 years +
Small may live in a little world, but she has enormous dreams and a big imagination.
A beautifully illustrated story about ambition and believing in yourself, encouraging little ones to dream big and imagine what's possible.
Available from: Waterstones | World of Books
Why Representation Matters in Storytime
For children under 5, books are more than just stories — they’re mirrors and windows. They help children see themselves, understand others, and celebrate the diversity of the world around them.
At The Butterfly Patch, we fill our nurseries with books that reflect a wide range of families, cultures and experiences — not just during Black History Month, but every day of the year.
Looking to refresh your story basket?
You can find more inclusive early years booklists at:
Storytime Tip for Parents
Rotate your books so your child regularly sees different faces and family types in their stories. Keep them accessible at child height — little readers love to choose for themselves!
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