Storytime is an important activity in our village. Did you know that reading with your children increases their literacy and other cognitive skills?¹ Aside from creating core memories with your littlest love, storytime is an early-life activity that has lasting benefits.

Here are 10 books that we love by Black authors and illustrators:

 

 

Shady Baby

Shady Baby Feels: A First Book of Emotions

By Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Tara Nicole Whitaker (Illustrator)

@gabunion, @dwyanewade, @taranicolewhitaker 

 

Welcome to the Party

By Gabrielle Union, Ashley Evans (Illustrator) 

@gabunion, @ash_mcfly

 

Always with You, Always with Me

By Kelly Rowland, Jessica McKay, Fanny Liem (Illustrator)

@kellyrowland, @authoressjess, @wenfancy 

 

Broccoli Hair

By Kristen Scott

@mrskristenscott

 

Come on a Journée With me to DC

By Fred Whitaker, Courtney Whitaker, Cameron Wilson (Illustrator)

@frederickwjr, @courtneyewhitaker

 

 

I am Enough

I Believe I Can

By Grace Byers, Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator)

@ladygracebyers, @keturahariel

 

Most Perfect You

By Jazmyn Simon, Tamisha Anthony (Illustrator)

@jazmynsimon, @tamisha.anthony

 

Repeat After Me: Big Things

By Jazmyn Simon, Dulé Hill, Shamar Knight-Justice (Illustrator)

@jazmynsimon, @dulehill, @shamarknightjustice

Know of a great book we should add to our virtual shelf? Reach out to us at thevillage@proudly.com  and we’ll be sure to include it in our PROUDLY Library Vol. 2!

¹ https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/about/research/readtoyoungchild.pdf