Every February during Black History Month, people remember the achievements, stories, and rich culture of black communities across the United States. As before, 2025 will see a new influx of quality picture books crafted by black authors and illustrators. So, here are five titles to start your year off strong, in recognition of these outstanding creators!
Written by Kwame Alexander
Illustrated by Charly Palmer
New York: Little, Brown & Co., 2025. Informational.
How Sweet the Sound is a celebration of black music that bebops its way through landmark styles and musicians, including: Miles Davis, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Holiday. The lyrical verses interspersed with loud onomatopoeia pops of sound and the acrylic genius of Charly Palmer's illustrations, make this a book sure to leave its mark of children's literature. An expansive back matter section provides detailed context and history for readers looking for more insight.
Written by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner
Illustrated by Frank Morrison
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book.
Alexander always looks forward to Sunday dinner. His large family gathers together in their Sunday best for a multigenerational feast every week. When Alexander's mother (the heart and soul of the kitchen) asks Alexander to prepare a dish by himself, he jumps at the chance to spread joy. Based on the author's own life and supplemented by the always awe-inspiring illustrations of Frank Morrison, this book is a delight!
Written by Traci N. Todd
Illustrated by Eleanor Davis
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2025. Biography.
Traci N. Todd deftly tells the story of Ella Jenkins, the "First Lady of Children's Music." As a young girl growing up in Chicago, Ella felt inspired by the sounds of the city, her favorite record shop, and trips to music halls with her Uncle Flood. As an adult, she became a folk singer and used her platform to fight for freedom alongside Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written by JaNay Brown-Wood
Illustrated by Tamisha Anthony
New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025. Picture Book.
It's grandma's birthday! Follow along with this group of six siblings, as they look for a present for grandma on their journey to her house. In each lively musical spread, one of the children finds a treasure that builds into layers of sound, culminating in a group rendition of "Happy Birthday" using their found objects. Jumpy music notes, rhyming text, and a sweet conclusion make On Our Way! What a Day! an appealing read aloud for all ages.
Written by Quartez Harris
Illustrated by Gordon C. James
New York: Little, Brown & Co., 2025. Biography.
Go Tell It is a preceptive and rich look at celebrated novelist James Baldwin's life, especially his formative years growing up in Harlem. An often difficult home life, punctuated by an angry stepfather and police officers, led Baldwin to seek healing in words and ultimately culminated in the brilliant debut novel referenced in the title.
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