During Black History Month, most media recounts stories of slavery and the fight for civil rights. We believe Black History should be celebrated all year round, and this month is a great time to take stock of the books on our shelves to ensure we have Black voices (and art) represented. All month long we’re partnering with Little Feminist and collaborating with creators Dolisha Mitchell and Ashley Jefferson to curate 4 children’s book lists that spotlight Black authors and honor the depth of Black experiences, from celebrating Black joy, Black artists and innovators, Black folks nature, and more!
This week, Dolisha Mitchell will be sharing her book recommendations for celebrating Black Joy.
All children need exposure to diverse books, including the full spectrum of Black characters and their experiences – even imaginary ones! Explore these stories featuring strong Black characters that explore with bravery, confidence, and curiosity.
Grandma’s Purse
written and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Publisher: Knopf Books
-
- Themes: imaginative play, multi-generational love
- Best for Ages: 2-5
- What We Love: The infectious joy and excitement of a child exploring the magical things inside her grandma’s purse make this a special story.
- Things to Know: This book is rooted in Gullah Geechee culture where they often carried their history in their purses.
Who Will You Be?
written and illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
-
-
- Themes: imaginative play, multi-generational love
- Best for Ages: 0-2
- What We Love: This book speaks life into a little one sharing how family and community can shape their life and who they grow up to be.
- Things to Know: This book is perfect for the newest additions to any family and offers a gentle reminder of the power of having a supportive village.
-
My Rainy Day Rocketship
by Markette Sheppard
Illustrated by Charly Palmer
Publisher: Denene Millner Books
-
- Themes: creativity, imagination
- Best for Ages: 2-5
- What We Love: This book is filled with creativity and innovation as a little one creates an outer space adventure with a cardboard box and his imagination on a rainy day inside.
- Things to Know: This book is the perfect introduction to creative a fun arts and crafts project with a cardboard box and playing dress up.
Off to See the Sea
by Nikki Grimes
illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
-
- Themes: bedtime, imagination
- Best for Ages: 2-5
- What We Love: Filled with colorful illustrations of a little one brought to life through a mother and father’s magical bathtime adventures, this book is relatable to both parents and children.
- Things to Know: This book pairs perfectly with Bedtime for Sweet Creatures and Playtime for Restless Rascals, which were both written by award-winning author Nikki Grimes.
Raising Dragons
by Jerdine Nolen
Illustrated by Elise Primavera
Publisher: Clarion Books
-
- Themes: friendship, mythical
- Best for Ages: 7-9
- What We Love: Beautiful representation in the fantasy genre features a Black girl believing in her abilities to raise a dragon.
- Things to Know: This book features the beautiful accents of a Southern farming family and whimsical illustrations that transport readers into their world.
Remember to Dream, Ebere
by Cynthia Erivo
Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
-
- Themes: bedtime, self-reliance
- Best for Ages: 2-5
- What We Love: Ebere’s mother encourages her to dream big and fills her with hope and the confidence to take on her wildest dreams.
- Things to Know: This book is written by award-winning performer Cynthia Erivo and celebrates the importance of children and parents building dreams together.
Next week, come back for the fourth book list in our series!
P.S. Each week you have the chance to WIN a $100 Tea Collection gift card and a 6-month subscription to Little Feminist Book Club. To enter our giveaway this week make sure to follow @teacollection, @littlefeministbookclub, @littleblackbooknook, @earlychildhoodenthusiast & tag someone in the comments that you think would enjoy this book list! The third winner will be announced on Tea’s Instagram stories 2/21, good luck!
