Joyful Picture Books

Whether it’s celebrating special times or everyday activities, it’s important that all children can see themselves in books experiencing moments of joy and the pleasures of childhood. Here are some recently published books that show Black Joy in just some of its many forms.


Book cover for Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom

Armand, Glenda
Call Number: xz
Book cover for Dream Street

Dream Street

Walker, Tricia Elam; Holmes, Ekua
Book cover for Lola Sleeps Over

Lola Sleeps Over

McQuinn, Anna; Beardshaw, Rosalind (ill.)
Book cover for Magic Like That

Magic Like That

Doyon , Samara Cole; Bowers, Geneva (ill.)
Book cover for The Me I Choose to Be

The Me I Choose to Be

Tarpley, Natasha Anastasia;Bethencourt, Regis and Kahran (ill.)
Book cover for Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment

Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment

Curry, Jessica and Parker; Jackson, Brittany (ill.)
Book cover for Remember to Dream, Ebere

Remember to Dream, Ebere

Erivo, Cynthia; Barlow, Charnelle Pinkney
Book cover for Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner

Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner

Dalton, Angela; Southerland, Jestenia (ill.)
Book cover for Soul Food Sunday

Soul Food Sunday

Bingham, Winsome; Esperanza, C. G.
Book cover for Time for Kenny

Time for Kenny

Pinkney, Brian
Book cover for When Langston Dances

When Langston Dances

Langley, Kaija; Keith Mallett (ill.)