African American Toddler Books

Can you imagine growing up, never seeing yourself in the books that you read with your parents? This is why I’m proud to be participating in Multicultural Kids Blog Black History Month with my recommended reading of African American Toddler Books.

Having a child see themselves represented in books is amazing! Don’t wait until they’re old enough to start reading — the time is now.

You can find these African American toddler books at your local library or purchase through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.

And honestly, even if you don’t have an African American child, it’s important that our children see others represented as having an important voice and experience. This is the exact reason I have participated in this hop for the past four years, including:

African American Toddler Books

One Love: One Love brings Bob Marley’s most beloved song to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her friends, family, and community to help transform her neighborhood for the better.

Dream Big, Little One: Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.

I Love My Hair!: A modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years! In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence.

Pretty Brown Face: Join the fun as a baby boy discovers the unique features that make his face so special in Pretty Brown Face. This spirited board books celebrate the loving closeness of an African American family.

Baby Dance: Marjorie van Heerden has captured the energy and joy of this playful text in vivd pastel illustrations full of the soft, gentle motion of dance. Up and down, to and fro, coo and crow baby, there you go. Up to the ceiling, down to the ground, backward and forward, round and round … All babies love to be lifted, twirled and held in loving arms. Now a rhythmic poem by nineteenth century poet Anne Taylor makes a delightful board book perfect for baby and parent to share.

Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children: This best-selling picture book is now available as a board book! Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children.

Whose Toes are Those? A vibrant, multicultural board book that celebrates a baby’s sweet toes, for fans of Ten Tiny Fingers and Ten Little Toes. Parents and children will enjoy this interactive board book that is perfect for celebrating the classic giggle-inspiring game of This Little Piggy.

Baby Says: The legendary Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author and illustrator John Steptoe shares the story of a baby who desperately wants to get his older brother’s attention. Spare text and lively illustrations tell the story of two brothers at opposite ends of a room. After repeatedly trying to get his big brother’s attention, Baby finally gets what he wants—but not before a few silly, giggle-inducing incidents occur!

Lola at the Library: Every Tuesday Lola and her mommy go to the library. Lola meets her friends there. They share books and don’t have to be quiet all the time. Lola and her mommy always stop for a treat on the way home. No wonder Lola loves the library.

Happy to Be Nappy: Nominated for an NAACP Image Award, this stunning picturebook is now available again in board book form. Legendary author bell hooks and Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka present a lyrical celebration, brimming with enthusiasm for girls and their hair.

Lottie Paris Lives Here: Join Lottie Paris in her world and you’ll never look at yours the same again! Lottie Paris may be precocious, but she still knows how to act like a kid. She dresses up, she plays on the slide, she eats cookies instead of vegetables. She has a great imagination and sees the possibilities in the simplest pleasures. Plus, she’s sassy, so there’s no chance of getting bored.

Girl of Mine: The sweet text, inspired by “Rock-A-Bye Baby,” will whisk little ones off to peaceful slumber. This companion book to Boy of Mine shows a dazzling little girl enjoying playtime in the moon’s soft glow. As daddy cradles his baby girl, she is suddenly whisked away on a fantastical adventure, swinging above lush floral gardens under the golden moonlight.

Princess Hair: Debut author-illustrator Sharee Miller encourages confidence and pride in this playful, colorful picture book that teaches readers to love every bit of themselves. Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book!