I can’t get enough of picture books by black authors and honestly any children’s book written by black authors! making this list brought me so much joy (look at those covers! and the breadth of stories!). This delightful list features stories from black authors from the United States, but also some of my favorites from Nigerian and other authors of African descent.
I have separated the list into fiction and non-fiction. You will find stories about self love, black hair, black joy, dancing, food, bedtime, family and much more. Happy reading!
You are reading: Baby books by black authors
best illustrated books by black authors
Best Picture Books by Black Authors: Fiction
here are some great picture fiction books by black authors:
dad speaks love
Published: January 4, 2022
what does a dad do? From the first day, this dad talks about love to his little one. and along with that love, his words and actions also speak of many other things: like truth, joy, comfort and pride. Like many dads, he answers a million questions and tries to make sure the days are filled with fun adventures, laughter, and hugs. dads are good at chasing away imaginary monsters and honest about how to deal with real ones too. They set an example for the future, speaking out for equality and justice, while sharing lessons from the past. but above all, the parents encourage their little ones to fight for a better world, with the consolation of knowing that their parents are by their side. dad talks love speaks of that eternal bond between children and their parents and is a perfect gift for special occasions, such as father’s day, valentine’s day, birthdays, baby showers and more.
hair love
Published: May 14, 2019
zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. it twists, coils and curls in every way. zuri knows that it is beautiful. when dad steps in to style it for a special occasion, he has a lot to learn. but he loves hers zuri hers, and will do anything to make her happy, and hers hair.
Tender and empowering, hair love is an ode to loving your natural hair and a celebration of dads and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions like Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!
me and me mom
Published: August 25, 2020
on a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and dad and luca are still asleep, when the clouds are casting shadows and the wind paints the window with drops of water, I want to be where mom is.
With lyrical prose and a tender touch, Caldecott and Coretta Scott’s honor book King Mama and Me is an ode to the strength of the bond between a mother and daughter as they spend a rainy day together.
the little mermaid
Published: November 3, 2020
Melody, the smallest princess of the sea, is not content to sing in the mermaid choir like her sisters. she is an explorer who wonders what is on the surface of the water. . . especially the young woman she has spied on from a distance. finding her requires a terrible sacrifice: she trades her beautiful voice for a potion that gives her legs, so she can live on earth. It seems like a dream come true at first. But when trouble stirs under the ocean, Melody is faced with another impossible choice: stay with her friend or reclaim her true identity and save her family. Legendary artist Jerry Pinkney’s unique reimagining of this story of love and sacrifice empowers young women in the 21st century. with the strong message that “you should never give up your voice. . . for anyone.”
welcome to the party
Published: May 5, 2020
reminiscent of favorites like the wonderful things you’ll be by emily winfield martin i’ve loved you forever by hoda kotb and cheer up my son by ainsley earhardt welcome to the party is a lively celebration of new life you’ll want to enjoy over and over again with your little guest of honor.
A great gift for all occasions, especially Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, baby showers and birthdays.
soul food sunday
Published: November 16, 2021
On Sundays, everyone gathers at grandma’s house to eat the soul. but today, I don’t go to the backyard or the great room. instead, I follow Grandma. “You’re a big boy now,” Grandma says. “It’s time for you to learn.” At Grandma’s house, Sunday is not Sunday without a big family gathering with a meal prepared with love. Old enough, our narrator is finally invited to help cook the dishes for the first time: he joins Grandma in grating the cheese, cleaning the vegetables, and preparing the meat for Roscoe Ray’s grill. but just as Grandma says they’re done, her grandson makes his own contribution, sweetening this Sunday gathering and many more to come. evocatively written and vividly illustrated, this delightful tale is a warm celebration of tradition and coming together around a table. full of love and delicious food.
shhh! the baby is asleep
Published: July 6, 2021
The baby finally fell asleep. but everyone is too loud! can mom, dad, grammy, pop pop, shae, dante, rover the dog and even the neighbor keep quiet? Just when they think they can rest, oh no The Baby Is Awake. A clever little storyteller knows how to put his little sister back to sleep: by reading her a good book! A hilarious cast of characters will keep readers laughing throughout this hilarious celebration of early literacy and intergenerational family relationships.
alya and the three cats
Published: June 16, 2020
three very confused cats! the arrival of a new baby watched by three adorable cats.
the arrival of a new baby seen by three adorable cats myriam and sami have three cats: pasha, the black angora cat, proud as a pasha, actually!, minouche, the gray tabby cat found in the calle, and amir, the playful siamese. one day, myriam’s belly starts to get bigger and something starts to stir inside her. myriam disappears for a few days and returns home with something that she screams and demands a lot of attention. The three cats of hers are very confused. what’s going on?
- funny story that covers the idea of coping with having a new baby in the house;
- colorful and calming illustrations that will keep little ones engaged and engaged;
- great for bedtime story.
sing to the moon
Published: June 20, 2019
For a small Ugandan boy, no wish is too great. He dreams first of reaching the stars and then of riding a supernova straight to Mars. but on a rainy day at his grandfather’s house, he is knocked to the ground. Do adventures only happen in galaxies far away, or can you find magic a little closer to home? a touching story about a grandfather’s love for his grandson and the quiet pleasures of a rainy day.
hey you!: an empowering celebration of growing up black
Published: February 1, 2022
remember to dream your own dreams love your beautiful skin you always have a choice new generation of dreamers. it is an urgent and timeless message, and offers a rich and rewarding reading experience for all children.
dreams for a daughter
Published: March 9, 2021
while I rock you, I look into your eyes, your gaze softly says, I want to know everything. I promise to show you everything I can.
This love letter from mother to daughter inspires young women to follow their dreams, no matter what challenges life throws at them. young readers will be reminded that the love and support of home will follow them as they venture out into the world.
the king of the nursery
Published: July 2, 2019
The morning sun resounds through your window like a million brass trumpets. sits and shines behind your head, like a crown. Mommy says that today you are going to be the king of kindergarten!
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! he dressed himself, ate a ton of pancakes and can’t wait to be a part of a new kingdom of boys. The day will be packed, but he’s up for the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! and then he can’t wait to tell his proud parents about all of his achievements and then wake up to start another day. Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes’ powerful story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring boost of confidence, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations exude joy.
please drink please
Published: November 1, 2002
go back to bed, honey, please, honey, please. not in your head, honey, honey, please!
Vivid illustrations by celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke childhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families around the world will delight in sharing these exuberant moments over and over again.
sleep cap
Published: April 7, 2020
In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair stands up! corkscrew curls on a scarf. I always wear a beanie over my braids, but tonight I can’t find it anywhere!
Sleepwear gives readers a poignant glimpse into the quintessential nighttime black hair traditions and celebrates the love between all members of this close-knit, multi-generational family.
to see the sea
Published: January 12, 2021
Night has fallen and mom and dad need to get their little one into the tub. To add to the fun, Mom brings to life a magical sea adventure where the faucet is a waterfall, a rubber ducky is a sea creature, and the water she splashes is a raging sea. On their journey across the ocean, Mom and Dad manage to clean up their little one just in time to dock before bed.
everyone in the red brick building
Published: October 19, 2021
everyone in the red brick building was asleep. until . . .
waaaaah!
raak! wake up!
patron, stomp!
See Also: Sean Duffy – Book Series In Order
psss!
A chain reaction of noises awakens several children (and a cat) living in an apartment building. but it’s late at night, so despite the disturbance, one by one, the building’s inhabitants return to their beds, this time with a new series of sounds to lull them to sleep.
astro girl
Published: September 3, 2019
astrid has loved the stars and space for as long as she can remember. “I want to be an astronaut!” she tells everyone who will listen. While her mom is away, Astrid and her dad have fun role-playing the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission, like being in zero gravity (“I can do that all day!” she says), eating tube and do science experiments with the help of cookie sheets. When it’s finally time to meet Mom at the air base, Astrid wears her favorite space shirt to greet her. but where exactly has mom been? Channeling a sense of childlike delight, Ken Wilson-Max brings space travel closer to young readers and delivers an inspiring ending.
catch that chicken!
Published: July 7, 2020
Lami is the best chicken catcher in the whole town. her sister may be quick at spelling, her friend quick at braiding her hair, and her brother her brave with the bulls, but when it comes to chickens, no one is faster or braver than lami. that is, until the day lami chases a little too fast, she climbs the baobab tree and goes too far. . . Oh! How can she catch chickens with a swollen ankle like an angry lizard? Could it be, as Nana Nadia says, that thinking fast is more important than running fast? Award-winning author Atinuke celebrates Nigerian village life in a vibrantly illustrated story by Angela Brooksbank with a universal message at its core.
what is given from the heart
Published: January 8, 2019
“misery loves company,” mom tells james otis. It’s been a rough couple of months for them, but mom says as long as they’re healthy and strong, they’re blessed. One Sunday before Valentine’s Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service: the temples have lost everything in a fire and the church is collecting everything that could be useful to them. James thinks a lot about what he can add to the temple’s “”love box”” but what does he have worth giving? With his extraordinary gift for storytelling, mckissack, with stunning illustrations by harrison, delivers a moving and powerful story of compassion and reminds us all that what goes from the heart, comes from the heart.
go home with daddy
Published: April 1, 2019
“On the morning of the meeting, we get up before the sun. Dad hums as he fills our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. he says there’s nothing like going home.”
downstairs is grandma’s house. home is where lil alan and her parents and her sister will meet great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of her ancestors and visit the land that she has meant so much to them all. and home is where every child will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. all the kids have to decide what they will share, but what will lil alan do?
the day you start
Published: August 28, 2018
there will be times when you walk into a room and there is no one like you.
there are many reasons to feel different. maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps to a place where no one really knows you yet, but somehow you do.
Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s stunning art remind us that we all feel like strangers sometimes, and how brave it is that we move on anyway. and that sometimes when we reach out and start sharing our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
fire bird
Published: September 4, 2014
In her first picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a girl, one of all girls, whose confidence is fragile and who questions her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has. misty encourages this young woman’s faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through her hard work and dedication, she, too, can become a bird of fire.
change sings: a children’s hymn
Published: September 21, 2021
“I can hear the change humming its song louder and prouder. I’m not afraid that change is coming, so I sing.” In this moving and highly anticipated picture book from poet and presidential inaugural activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices come together. When a girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes, big or small, in the world, in their communities, and most importantly, in themselves.
don’t touch my hair
Published: November 6, 2018
It seems that everywhere Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. on the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle and in space, she is chased by a mermaid, monkeys and aliens. . . until, finally, aria has had enough!
the year we learned to fly
Published: January 4, 2022
On a gloomy, stagnant day, a brother and sister follow their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful, brilliant minds of yours. she raises her arms, closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and believes in something. someone somewhere at some point was just as bored as you are right now.” and before they know it, their imagination lifts them up and snaps them out of their boredom. then, on a day full of fights, it’s time to travel outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious ability, their grandmother tells them, dates back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to rise up and imagine a better world.
dancing backstage
published: dancing on the wings
sassy worries that her feet are too big, her legs are too long and even her big mouth is keeping her from fulfilling her dream of becoming a star dancer. she so she for now she is just dancing backstage, watching from behind the curtain and hoping one day it will be her turn to shine under the spotlight. When the director of a major dance festival shows up to audition for her class, Sassy’s first attempts to get her attention are, well, a little hesitant. but she sassy just knows, somehow, that this is her time to step out of those wings and make her mark on the world. Actress/choreographer debbie allen and kadir nelson collaborated on brothers of the knight, about which the school library journal > raved, “brothers who strut and take high steps are full of individuality, attitude, and movement.”
not quite snow white
Published: July 9, 2019
tameika is an African-American girl who loves musicals and dreams of starring in one as a princess one day. but she fears that having brown skin and a chubby body might keep her from her dreams.
black is a color of the rainbow
Published: January 14, 2020
A boy reflects on what it means to be black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history and a legacy that lives on. Red is a color of the rainbow. Green sits next to blue. yellow, orange, violet, indigo, are also colors of the rainbow, but my color is black. . .and there is no black in rainbows.
from the wheels of a bicycle to the robe on the back of thurgood marshall, black surrounds our lives. it’s a color that simply describes some of our favorite things, but also evokes a deeper feeling about the amazing people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and prosper.
I’m growing very well
Published: January 18, 2022
beautiful and wise, she shines at dawn! I’m growing every day!
beautiful black and brunette girls with gorgeous natural hairstyles filled with flowers, butterflies, and other garden treasures are the stars of this vibrant, rhythmic picture book from the author/illustrator of happy hair and cool cuts. Set against a backdrop of the glorious color and bounty of nature, it’s the perfect spring read aloud to promote confidence and self-esteem for girls of all ages.
sleep well, siba y saba
Published: October 1, 2017
forgetful sisters siba and saba always lose something. sandals, slippers, sweaters, you name it, they lose it. when the two sisters fall asleep each night, they dream of the things they have lost that day. until, one night, her dreams begin to reveal something completely unexpected… with playful illustrations and a lullaby-like rhythm, this heartwarming tale set in uganda is truly one to treasure.
all because you matter
Published: October 6, 2020
tami charles writes a poetic and lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they have always mattered and always will. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby assures readers that their matter and worth never diminish, no matter the circumstances: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardships of struggles. of adolescents and the pain and anguish of current events. , have always mattered and always will matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Award winner and nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for days to come. to come.
cool cuts
Published: February 11, 2020
When the stars shine, the world is mine! I was born to be awesome! my hair is free, just like me! I was born to be cool!
Kids will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhythmic book full of trendy black hairstyles. From a ‘fro-hawk to mini-twists and crisp braids, adorable illustrations of kids with cool curls, waves, and afros adorn every page, accompanied by a positive message that will have kids cheering. is a great read aloud to promote positive self-esteem in children of all ages, build and grow the foundation of self-love (and love of hair!), and let all children know that “you were born to be amazing!” p>
I’m all good
Published: February 4, 2021
I am a ball of incessant energy. powerful and full of light. I am an entrepreneur. a difference maker. a leader.
This book’s confident black narrator is proud of everything that makes him who he is. he has big plans and he will definitely carry them out as he is creative, adventurous, smart, funny and a good friend. sometimes he falls down, but he always gets back up. and other times he is afraid, because many times he is misunderstood and called what he is not. so he slow down and really watch and listen, when someone tells and shows him who they are. there are superheroes among us!
sulwe
Published: October 15, 2019
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. she is darker than everyone in her family. she is darker than anyone in her school. sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and her sister. then a magical journey into the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and moving story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
wanda
Published: March 1, 2021
See Also: Why Dr. Seuss got away with anti-Asian racism for so long
meet wanda, with her beautiful head full of hair. she is brave and strong, but she is unhappy due to the endless teasing of the children at school for her “thorny bush” and her “storm cloud”. Through her hair secrets and Grandma Makhulu’s stories, she finds the courage to face her fears and learn to appreciate that her hair is a crown, “not a burden,” and is something of what to be proud of. this book is about identity and beauty, and celebrates how cultural pride is learned and passed down from generation to generation.
your name is a song
Published: July 7, 2020
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a girl tells her mother she doesn’t want to go back to school. in response, the girl’s mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, African-American, Latino, and Middle Eastern names on her lyrical walk through town to her house. empowered by this new understanding, the young woman is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. your name is a song is a celebration to remind us all of the beauty, history and magic behind names.
chicken in the kitchen
Published: September 1, 2017
What would you do if you woke up one night to find the shadow of a giant chicken passing through your bedroom door? go and investigate, of course!
When Anyaugo follows a giant chicken into his kitchen one warm night in Nigeria, he embarks on a fun-filled adventure where nothing is as it seems. Is the spirit of nature that lives in the wooden walls of her house a help or a hindrance? Is the mischievous giant chicken a friend or a foe? Most importantly, will anyaugo be able to save the food her aunts prepared for the new yam festival the next day?
An entertaining look at the fascinating masquerade culture of West Africa, told from the perspective of a brave young Nigerian woman who finds the courage to protect the traditions she loves.
just like me
Published: January 14, 2020
I am a canvas on which the words of my family, friends and community are painted
From Vanessa Brantley-Newton, author of Grandma’s Purse, comes a collection of poetry filled with compelling mini-stories about girls of all kinds: girls who are happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don’t; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mother and girls who wish they had a father. Featuring bright portraits in Vanessa’s signature style of vibrant colors
olu and greta
Published: February 15, 2022
olu lives in lagos, nigeria; his cousin, greta, lives in milan, italy. although their lives may be different, their ways of living and playing are quite similar. both skate; both jump down the street; both play with toy trains, trucks and boats… and both dream of meeting and being together. First-time author and illustrator Diana Ejaita references her own childhood and heritage to create a rich, moving and authentic portrait of Nigeria, Italy and the unity of childhood.
thanks omu
Published: October 2, 2018
everyone in the neighborhood dreams of trying delicious omu stew! one by one, they follow their noses towards the delicious aroma. and one by one, omu offers a portion of their food. soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
Oge Mora, first-time author and illustrator, brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful paper-cut designs as delicious as omu stew, with an extra helping of love. an author’s note explains that “omu” (pronounced ah-moo) means “queen” in her parents’ Igbo language, but growing up, she used it to mean “grandmother.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.
Tiara hat parade
Published: April 1, 2020
Tiara has a gift for telling stories; her mom has a gift for making hats. When she opens a new store that sells cheaper hats, Mom has to put her dreams aside, but Tiara has an idea to help make Mom’s dreams come true!
the electric slide and kai
kai’s aunt is getting married and everyone in the donovan family is excited about the wedding…except kai. The highlight of every Donovan occasion is dancing the electric slide, a wonderful line dance with footwork that Kai can’t understand. more than anything, he wants to prove that he can dance with the rest of his family and earn a cool nickname from his grandpa. Can Kai break her nerves and break it on the dance floor?
told with humor and heart by author kelly j. Baptist and animated illustrations by debuting picture book artist Darnell Johnson, the Power Slide and Kai is a funky celebration with all the right moves!
mayowa and the masquerades
Published: January 19, 2021
mayowa, who lives in the city, is not happy because he has been told that he will visit his grandmother in ilisan, nigeria. When he gets there, Grandma pairs him up with Denuyi, always hungry and fun-loving. together, they explore the city and all its wonders. kids chase grasshoppers, dip their feet in a stream, visit little pigs, climb a tree…and join a costume parade! by the time he returns to lαgos, mαyowa has learned that there is more to life than computer games.
Best Illustrated Books by Black Authors: Nonfiction
These are some of the best nonfiction picture books by black authors:
the older student: how mary walker learned to read
Published: January 7, 2020
In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. at 15 she was released and at 20 she got married and had her first child. At 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. at 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. and at 116, she learned to read. From rita lorraine hubbard and rising star oge more comes the inspiring story of mary walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the civil war to the civil rights movement and who, through perseverance and dedication, proved that you can never be too much. older to learn.
kamala and maya’s great idea
Published: June 2, 2020
One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. What a great idea: they would turn their empty apartment patio into a playground!
This is the uplifting story of how the author’s aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. this is a story of children’s ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.
nana akua goes to school
Published: June 16, 2020
It’s Grandparents Day at Zura Elementary School and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them special. aleja’s grandfather is a fisherman. Bisou’s grandmother is a dentist. but zura’s nana, who is her favorite person in the world, looks a little different from other grandmothers. Nana Akua grew up in Ghana and, following an ancient West African tradition, has tribal markings on her face. Worried that her classmates will be afraid of Nana, or worse yet, make fun of her, Zura is hesitant to take her to school. however, she nana akua knows what to do. With a quilt of traditional African symbols and a bit of face paint, Nana Akua can explain what makes her special and make all of Zura’s classmates feel special, too.
bun heads
Published: September 29, 2020
misty is so captivated by the story and its heroine, swanilda, that she decides to audition for the part. but she has never danced ballet before; in fact, this is the first day of her first dance class!
Although misty is excited, she is also nervous. but as she learns from her peers, she makes wonderful friends who encourage her to do her best. Misty’s nerves fade quickly, and with a little teamwork, the bunheads put on a show to remember.
Featuring stunning artwork by newcomer setor fiadzigbey, bunheads is an inspiring story for anyone seeking the courage to try something new.
stacey’s extraordinary words
Published: December 28, 2021
stacey is a girl who loves words more than anything. she loves reading them, pronouncing them, and finding comfort in them when the going gets tough.
but when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she’s not as excited as she thought she would be. what if she’s wrong? Or worse, if she doesn’t dare to speak up, as sometimes happens when she confronts bullies at school?
stacey will learn win or lose. . . Her words are powerful and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all.
mae among the stars
Published: January 9, 2018
A great read aloud for the classroom and bedtime,
mae between the stars is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts.
When little mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. she imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding and discovering.
she wanted to be an astronaut.
his mother told him: “if you believe it and work hard to achieve it, anything is possible.”
little mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, along with words of encouragement from her parents, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African-American woman to travel to space.
parker looks up: an extraordinary moment
Published: October 15, 2019
when parker curry came face to face with amy sherald’s momentous portrait of first lady michelle obama at the national portrait gallery, she didn’t just see the first lady of the united states. she saw a queen, one with dynamic self-confidence, royalty, beauty and truth that captured this young woman’s imagination. When a visitor to the nearby museum took a photo of a mesmerized Parker, he became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a girl and her family whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment in a poignant picture book.
parker looks up follows parker, along with her little sister and her mother, and her best friend gia and gia’s mother, as they walk through the halls of a museum, seeing paintings of everyone and everything from george washington carver to frida kahlo, exotic flowers to graceful ballerinas. then parker walks past michelle obama’s portrait of sherald…and nearly passed it. but she stops…and looks up!
parker saw possibility and promise, hopes and dreams of herself in this powerful painting of michelle obama. an everyday moment turned into an extraordinary one… that continues to resonate with her power, inspiration and indelible impact. Because, as Jessica Curry said, “everything is possible regardless of race, class, or gender.”
the little melba and her big trombone
Published: August 4, 2014
melba doretta listan loved the sounds of music for as long as she could remember. As a child, she daydreamed of rhythms and lyrics, humming to the music of her majestic family radio. At age seven, Ella Melba Ella fell in love with a big, shiny trombone, and she soon taught herself to play the instrument. When she was a teenager, Melba’s extraordinary gift for music drew her into the world of jazz. She joined a band led by trumpeter Gerald Wilson and toured the country. Overcoming obstacles of race and gender, Melba became a famous trombonist and arranger, transforming rhythms, harmonies, and melodies into magnificent songs for all the greats of 20th-century jazz: Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones. , to name just a few. Brimming with enthusiasm and the joy of making music, Ella’s little melba and big trombone is a fitting tribute to a pioneering musician and great unsung jazz hero.
there they are: 50 of the best picture books by black authors! which ones have you read? I loved siba and saba, shh! the baby is asleep and the electric slide and kai. Which ones did I miss?
See Also: Top 10 academic writing books | Editage Insights
more picture book lists
- Illustrated books by Asian authors
- Illustrated non-fiction books
- Illustrated books about snow and winter