Love is POWERFUL and so is representation in picture books. This valentine’s day I wanted to share some adorable Black Girl Magic picture books with you. It’s so hard to find books that don’t center on animals or romantic love this time of year. So, this collection features Black, Brown and diverse characters and there are many books here that talk about the different forms of love too. Loving yourself (I Love Being Me), loving your family (Homemade Love), what it actually looks like to love your friends well (A Book of Love), standing up for yourself (Love Is Powerful) and how to let go when someone you love is leaving (Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away and Love Is). I hope you find something for the little Valentine’s in your life. At the end of the post is a handy pdf you can take with you to the library or the bookstore!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
I Love Being Me by Mechal Renee Roe
I quickly snatched up this adorable book from the Step Into Reading series. I told myself to wait until Valentine’s Day but I couldn’t wait to share this cuteness with my girls. This easy reader is self-affirming, representative of different skin tones and hairstyles, and little Black girls appreciate all the things they love about themselves. This book is definitely a Little Black Girl Magic read.
Love is by Diane Adams
This is hands down my favorite Valentine’s Day read. One little girl lists all the things that love is as she cares for a lost duckling. Late nights, early mornings, cleaning up messes and when the time comes letting go. It’s a reality check for a little one with pet owner aspirations and it will remind parents of that beautiful yet tiring newborn phase.
The Littlest Valentine by Brandi Dougherty
Emma Valentine is the littlest member of the Valentine family and she’s so excited to work in her family’s shop for Valentine’s day. She tries balloons, candy making and more but she just doesn’t seem to be able to do anything well. Until she finds a special new friend and gets inspiration from him.
This is Not a Valentine by Carter Higgins
One little boy is just smitten with a little girl with scribbly afro puffs. He gives her what he has, shares, plays, tells secrets and expresses his feelings in so many other small ways. This is a sweet book that could turn into an important conversation about relationship expectations. Love doesn’t just scream in roses, lace cards and chocolates, it also whispers in a thousand quiet ways.
Love By Sophia by Jim Averbeck
The Sophia books by Jim Averbeck are smartly written with a lead character you’ll fall for. Sophia is the youngest member in a multi-cultural family and she is super inquisitive. With the help of her pet giraffe noodle Sophia has to complete a school assignment about love. With her teacher’s help she does a painting called love, but before she can hang it on the “Louvre” of refrigerators her whole family has to approve it.
I Love You Too by Ziggy Marley
I can’t read this title without hearing Ziggy Marley’s joyful song of the same name. The song and book were both inspired by a conversation with his 3yr old. With the fun lyrics and bright multicultural illustrations this books shows little ones enjoying the different types of love in their lives.
Love is more than heart emojis. This next set of picture books will make you and your young readers think…and maybe grab a tissue or two.
Love is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer
The power of a simple message shouted to the world. This book is based on a true account of mother and 6yr old daughter attending a women’s march together in 2017. From coloring posters to getting dressed to joining the thousands of people marching in the street to protest, we get a birds eye view of what it means to show your child the power of words, the power of simple actions, and how to stand up and love yourself.
What is Given From The Heart by Patrice McKinnock
A little boy and his mother walk through hard times after Dad dies. Around Valentine’s day their church wants to bless another mother and daughter who have lost everything in a fire. Without much themselves mother and son wonder how to give out of the little they have. Spoiler alert, the little boy finds something to give and the look on the little girls reaction is beautiful. This one is a tear jerker for sure.
Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away by Meg Medina
There is nothing like the first best friend. But what happens when you have to say goodbye? Told from Daniela’s perspective, we follow along through each joyful moment as she spends one last day with her Mejor Amiga Evelyn. I can’t say enough about this book. It’s moving without being sappy. It handles all of those final aching moments with care and this is a subject not often touched on in picture books. This one is perfect for a little one facing the same situation.
A Book of Love by Emma Randall
Rhyming poetry, splashy bright illustrations, and lots to look at on every page. This book takes us through practical ways to show love, like patience, seeing the good in others, acceptance, being kind, and standing up to bullies.
FOR THE LITTLEST VALENTINE’S …
Baby Love’s Valentine’s Day by Jabari Akim
Super cute board book alert. ‘Baby loves hearts made of paper and lace. Baby loves kisses and a loving embrace’. Explore all things Valentine’s Day with the littlest Valentine in your life.
One love by Cedella Marley
Bob Marley’s daughter has done a wonder with taking her Dad’s most popular songs and turning them into bright and colorful board books. One love uses the songs lyrics and illustrates them around a neighborhood showing love for the community. If you’re a Bob Marley fan you want to look into these books.
Homemade Love by bell hooks
Girlpie, (her adorable nickname), is surrounded by love. When she makes a mistake, though, will her parents help her pick up the pieces? Will they still love her? The question that every child wonders is answered sweetly with bold illustrations by world-renowned poet, intellectual and feminist bell hooks.
Hugs and Hearts by Toni Trent Parker
Sweet and simple Valentine themed book with soft padded cover, rhyming verse, and colorful photographs of young African-American children
