This #BlackHistoryMonth we wanted to share a selection of books whose characters and stories celebrate Black culture and identities. Enjoy these wonderful books all year round.
Reading sparks imagination and helps children to understand the world around them. Children need to see themselves represented in books and as parents we can use stories to educate and inspire in a fun and engaging way.
Books can also provide an opportunity to generate ideas around different people and cultures. Here’s a selection of just some of the books by Black authors or featuring Black characters that you might enjoy with your little one.
Words by Trish Cooke and pictures by Helen Oxenbury.
So Much tells the story of Mum and the baby having a quiet day at home when the family come to visit, and they all want to kiss the baby! There’s even a surprise in store at the end when Daddy comes home…
The book uses repetition of phrases as more family members arrive to make a familiar, enjoyable read which will become a firm favourite in your house.
Words by Atinuke and illustrated by Angela Brooksbank.
Baby Goes To Market will help introduce your baby to counting, with a brightly illustrated board book set in a busy African city market.
Baby gets given lots of treats by the market vendors as he travels around on his mother’s back – completely unbeknown to her!
Nigerian-born author Atinuke is also author of the popular Anna Hibiscus series of stories.
Words by Malorie Blackman, illustrated by Dapo Adeola.
We’re Going To Find The Monster was written by former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, with wonderful pictures by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.
It tells the story of two imaginative young adventurers on the hunt for a monster. They scale high mountains, cross deep oceans and escape wild beasts…all without leaving home.
One of the heroes of the story has the skin condition vitiligo, and the book signposts to www.vitiligosociety.org to find out more about it.
Snug by Carol Thompson is a sweet book using rhyming couplets to describe babies getting cosy, like different types of animals.
From being snug as a bug in a rug to a snuggled down mouse in his very own house, this book celebrates getting cuddling up and feeling warm and safe.
What’s more, the babies featured in the pictures are of different ethnicities and abilities. It comes as a board book so your child will love turning the pages themselves.
Words by Tolá Okogwu and illustrated by Chanté Timothy.
Daddy Do My Hair? is a joyful rhyming book, with vibrant, bright illustrations. It explores the bond between a dad and his daughter, as Daddy styles Beth’s hair for school photo day.
The author, Tolá Okogwu, is a British-Nigerian author, journalist and Hair Care Educator, and the book features her tips on how to care for Afro-textured hair.
Words by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Zeki can Swim sees Zeki and his Daddy having lots of fun at a swimming class with other parents. It has big, clear text and pictures which young babies will enjoy looking at and listening to.
There are other titles in the series too, including Zeki Loves Mummy and Zeki Loves Daddy.
Happy reading!
Black History Month is a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK and worldwide. Learn more about Black History Month.
At NCT, we’ve been celebrating Black History Month and sharing resources to reflect on Black History and Heritage, as well as learning about the ongoing struggles faced by Black people across the world. Sonah Paton from Black Mothers Matter came to talk to NCT staff and practitioners at our All Community Event, and she touched on priorities for NCT in the future.
You might like to read our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
