This year, International Children’s Book Day falls on 2 April 2018 and because we champion the importance of representation, if you’re looking for something a little different to read to your kids, we’ve got just the educational and entertaining reading list for you.
If you ever get that feeling when you’re reading to children that you might actually be enjoying the story as much as they are, we don’t blame you. These 8 fantastic children’s books are perfect for adults who are ‘young at heart’ too.
Fangs – Malorie Blackman
Nathan brings home a lonely pet tarantula from the pet shop but even though she’s excited to come home with him, she needs to convince his family that she’s not scary. Malorie Blackman has a charming way of teaching us that spiders aren’t horrible but rather beautiful and brave.
Buy it here
Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way – Tola Okogwu
‘Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way’ tells the story of Kechi’s beautiful big hair and how her daddy has to make sure she gets ready in time for school. It’s wonderful and heart-warming to read about her swirly-springy, fluffy-puffy, squishy-squashy, candyfloss curls. Read our interview with Tola Okogwu to find out how she inspires children through rhyme.
Available in May 2018
Bold Women in Black History – Vashti Harrison
This book is a must-have for pretty much everybody, whether they’re old or young or male or female. It features 40 trailblazing black women in the world’s history, educating and inspiring with true stories. There are stunning illustrations of well-known and lesser known figures from nurse Mary Seacole, to politician Diane Abbott, mathematician Katherine Johnson and singer Shirley Bassey.
Buy it here
Mixed Me – Taye Diggs
Mom and Dad say I’m a blend of dark and light:
“We mixed you perfectly, and got you just right.”
This is a story about Mike. He has beautiful hair and lots of energy. His parents teach him that he is a perfect blend of the both of them. It answers children’s questions about being mixed heritage and is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.
Buy it here
A Wrinkle in Time – Disney Press
If you haven’t seen Ava DuVernay’s latest film, go and do that first or read our review. Then read this beautiful Disney published version of the Madeleine L’Engle classic. It follows Meg, Charles Wallace and their friend as they go on a weird and wonderful quest to find their dad. Prepare to be heart-warmed and inspired by their lovely adventure.
Buy it here
The Snowy Day – Ezra Jack Keats
This classic picture story is a lovely book for younger children. It tells the tale of a young boy’s adventures on a snowy day. It’s won the Caldecott Award for being a cute and simple story. Speaking about having a black kid as the hero of his book, Polish-Jew, Ezra, an illustrator by profession, said: “None of the manuscripts I’d been illustrating featured any black kids—except for token blacks in the background. My book would have him there simply because he should have been there all along.”
Buy it here
Femi the Fox – Jeanette Kwakye
Team GB Olympian, Jeanette Kwakye has written the story of Femi the Fox who is on the hunt for some Jollof rice (aren’t we all)! On the way, he learns valuable lessons, teaching young children about West African cooking and culture while making friends and learning lessons.
Buy it here
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters – John Steptoe
This African tale of Mufaro’s two beautiful daughters is a real classic. One is aggressive and selfish, the other is dignified and kind. The king is looking for a wife and takes on different disguises to find out the true nature of both of the girls. Which one will he choose to be his queen?
Buy it here
