Today’s list of Picture Books Celebrating Black Girl Joy reminds us that all kids want to enjoy the simple childhood goals of playing, using their imagination, learning new skills, enjoying delicious treats, and feeling confident in themselves. Please enjoy these new titles celebrating Black girl joy.
• Picture Books Celebrating Black Girl Joy •
JULIE AND THE MANGO TREE
Coupled with Sayada Ramdial’s bright and colorful artwork, Julie and the Mango Treeby Sadé Smith will have readers of all ages giggling–and craving a mango of their own!
Julie loves all kinds of fruit, but mangoes are her absolute favorite. One sticky summer afternoon, Julie goes to the big mango tree in her yard to ask for a snack.But no matter how nicely she asks or how patient she tries to be, the tree just won’t drop a single sweet, juicy mango! Will Julie ever be able to convince the tree to let her have just a taste of her favorite treat?
Published by Feiwel & Friends/ Macmillan
I WILL SWIM NEXT TIME
A gently powerful story about taking your time with new experiences.
“When we went to a beach, my tummy felt tight. but it still felt wrong inside.
Definitely… possibly… Perhaps I’d swim – next time.”
At first the big blue sea makes them feel small and scared. Then the child visits a lake and a river, and their fear of water gradually starts to ebb as curiosity begins to flow.
A wonderful book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences, with lyrical words by Emily Joof and bold, dynamic illustrations by Matilda Ruta.
I WILL SWIM NEXT TIME
Written by Emily Joof and Illustrated by Matilda Ruta
Published by Floris Books
JOY TAKES ROOT
In her grandmother’s garden, a young Black girl learns about mindfulness and herbal medicine in this soothing intergenerational story about our connection to nature.
It’s Joy’s first summer in her grandmother’s South Carolina garden—a rite of passage. In the midst of okra, spinach, and strawberries, Grammy teaches Joy that plants are friends with many uses. Herbs, for example, can be turned into medicine.
There in Grammy’s abundant backyard, Joy learns to listen for the heartbeat of the earth and connect it to her own as she takes deep breaths and puts her intentions into the soil. By the story’s end, she learns to grow seeds in her own garden, honoring all that her grandmother taught her. With sensory-rich illustrations from award-winning illustrator Ashleigh Corrin, Joy Takes Root is a blissful reminder of all that might bloom.
JOY TAKES ROOT
Written by Gwendolyn Wallace and Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Published by Kokila Books
I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, LOVE MY SPOTS
A young girl with vitiligo celebrates her skin in this joyful picture book by debut author Lid’ya C. Rivera and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Niña Mata!
This lyrical celebration of self-esteem, perseverance, and loving the skin you’re in will inspire all children to appreciate their spots or what makes them different.
I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, LOVE MY SPOTS
Written by Lid’ya C. Rivera and Illustrated by Niña Mata
Published by HarperCollins
LITTLE TROUBLEMAKER MAKES A MESS
Whoops! Little Luvvie loves her mom. She loves her sister. And she loves doing nice things for other people.
But what happens when doing something nice means breaking some rules? Little Luvvie is about to find out.
Written by the New York Times bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones with bright, bold art by Joey Spiotto, this funny, sweet story about a bighearted girl with the best of intentions is sure to become a family favorite.
LITTLE TROUBLEMAKER MAKES A MESS
Written by Luvvie Ajayi Jones and Illustrated by Joey Spiotto
Published by Philomel Books
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy
specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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