Small Black Children's Book Authors Worth Supporting

For The Munchkins: 10 Children’s Books By Burgeoning Black Authors To Add To Your Kiddies’ Libraries

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Vada Azeem/Ashley Sirah Nicole Chea

Source: Vada Azeem/Ashley Sirah Nicole Chea / Courtesy

Right now, children are on school break but unfortunately for our adorable tots, their summer fun has been thwarted by a deadly pandemic. This is why we put together a list of Black authors and illustrators you can support to entertain your beautiful brown babies while we figure out what’s going to happen next in the world. Some of these authors are independent or small-time but making a huge impact.

At least, for a moment, our kids can escape in between the pages of these books with interesting characters they can relate to.

First up, author and illustrator Vada Azeem pays homage to the perseverance of Black women with his latest children’s book “A Ribbon In The Sky”.  The beautifully illustrated book was inspired by Azeem’s wife and her uphill battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Azeem’s great hope is that “the Sky” can offer a lesson in confidence for its young readers and adults alike.

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We give this and the other books on the list a 10/10 for telling OUR stories.

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Everyone knows that representation matters and so does keeping the coins flowing between Black businesses and the Black community. Hit the flip for 9 more children’s books by Black authors to add to your babies’ libraries.

Ashley Sirah Nicole Chea is a blogger and author with multiracial children. She created “Beautiful Beautiful Me” to help children and adults celebrate diversity as seen in our communities.

 

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Connie Schofield-Morrison is an author of three kid’s books. Her latest, “I Got The School Spirit” is a story about an exciting first day at school.

Melissa Boyds’ “B Is For Breathe” focuses on emotions and the development of healthy coping skills.

“Zo & Kendi’s Astro Adventure: Discovering Astronomy & Astrology” is the perfect book for introducing kiddies to astronomy and astrology.

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“ABC’s For Brown Babies” by Zoe Amore might be the only book on the list that has an author still in diapers and the title is self-explanatory.

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At some point during your childhood, do you remember having a desire to be just like your mom or dad when you grew up? While not all children feel this way, there are some who do like the adorable little girl in this rhyming book. She aspires to be a doctor just like her mommy. ✨ What I like about this book is not only does the girl want to have the same career as her mom, she also wants to do some of the other things her mom does. Like cooking healthy meals for the family, kissing boo-boos when you get hurt, reading bedtime stories and attending ballet recitals. I think this book does a great job showing a healthy work/life balance despite having a busy career like a doctor. Yes, moms can in fact have it all! Most importantly, it shows children they are the more important than any job or career could ever be. The temporary direct link is in my profile if you want to check it out or purchase. Ages 2-6. #doclikemommy #crystalbowe #drcrystalbowe #blackgirlmagic #mikemotz @mommybowe

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“Doc Like Mommy” by Dr. Crystal Bowe might inspire its own wave of future Black MDs.

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“CJ’s Big Dream” by C.J. Watson speaks to the athletic kiddies considering going all the way pro in the future.

“Black Girl Shine” by Shavondra Walker is perfect to inspire and teach young Black girls they can accomplish anything they aspire to do.

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What is “Little Miss is Destined for Greatness?” 💕 . Let’s get into it 💁🏽‍♀️ . . This labor of love is a rhythmic message of possibility for our youth, serving as a mirror for diverse young readers near and far. It is a resource designed to help your little one build an UNSHAKABLE inner voice that says “I am Destined for Greatness!” . . Interestingly, people often assume that the book is about diversity, but that’s not quite the case. In fact, the book doesn’t reference Little Miss’ race, ethnicity, skin color, etc. at all. And that is exactly the purpose I want it to serve….. . . Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely feel that there is a place for books that specifically call out these differences and encourage our little ones to develop an appreciation for and bask in their blackness, especially since we know the unfortunate role complexion tends to play in our society. . . However, I am also a firm believer that our little ones deserve to see themselves reflected in characters without having to acknowledge their background. Little Miss is just a little girl who is Destined for Greatness, and happens to be brown. . . This allows my book to serve as a platform for positive representation while also encouraging the normalization of diverse protagonists. . . But let’s be clear, Little Miss is Destined for Greatness is a book written specifically for brown and black children to see reflections of themselves represented in a positive light, and while meeting that goal, also adds value to other readers by normalizing diversity in children’s literature overall. . . #LittleMiss 👑💕💚

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And last, but not least, Amber T. Bogan’s “Little Miss Is Destined For Greatness” speaks to the inner voice of little readers, building confidence as they peruse through the pages.

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