Picture books with black main characters (for ages 3–7)
A list of fabulous children’s picture books with Black representation naturally included at a main-character level, and a wide variety of stories to suit every taste and mood.
Why representation matters
Children begin forming ideas about identity, belonging, and difference from an early age — often long before they can articulate them. By the time they start school, many already show an awareness of race, and may absorb and demonstrate the same biases and assumptions present in the world around them.
Picture books are one of the first ways children encounter stories about other people — and about themselves. When Black children regularly see Black characters as joyful, curious, adventurous, and loved, it supports confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of self. And for all children, diverse books help broaden understanding and challenge stereotypes from the start.
That’s why we do what we do: to make it easy to find brilliant, inclusive books that reflect the richness of children’s lives and the world they’re growing up in.