5 Books to Celebrate Black History Month

Caroline Cook is a journalist, children’s book reviewer and a Bright Horizons parent! To celebrate Black History Month, Caroline shares with us five fantastic books by Black authors and/or illustrators…

Black History Month runs throughout October and this year the theme is ‘Proud to Be’. We’re celebrating the month by sharing some of our favourite picture books by black creatives...

	Hey You by Dapo Adeola and 18 black illustrators Published by Puffin, 2021 Age 0-5 years A heartfelt and lyrical letter from author Dapo Adeola to his past self and future child, this is both beautiful and essential. We begin with a new baby and a welcome filled with dreams and love. As we move through the book (where each spread is illustrated by a different black creative), Dapo shares the things about life this little one must remember, including knowing that ‘every skin colour has its own unique beauty’. Dapo also writes about the injustice which has been experienced by the black community, and highlights inspiring black individuals who have achieved amazing things.
	Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins Published by Wide Eyed Editions, 2021 Age 0-3 years From Katherine Johnson, who helped NASA put a man on the moon, to Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose art has sparked important conversations around the world, this wonderful and beautifully illustrated board book introduces babies and toddlers to some of the greatest black heroes across literature, politics, activism, sport, music, and art.
	We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman and Dapo Adeola Published by Puffin, 2021 Age 2-5 years Written by dream team Malorie Blackman and Dapo Adeola this funny and adventurous picture book is an ode to the imagination of childhood. Siblings Charlie and Eddie are playing in the garden when Dad calls them for breakfast. Before they head to the kitchen they decide to go and find the monster, but who or what could it be? And so begins an epic adventure with twists, turns and a very funny discovery at the end.
	My Hair by Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan Published by Faber and Faber, 2019 Age 2-5 years My Hair celebrates black hair in all its beauty as a little girl tries to decide how to wear her hair for her birthday. She looks at the hairstyles of her family and friends, from Bantu knots to braids, but it's her mum who helps her decide how to wear her hair and be proud of who she is. A brilliant picture book, both for those who currently do not see themselves reflected in their books enough, and children who can hopefully understand the experiences of their friends better through this lovely story.
	5. So Much by Trish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury Published by Walker Books, 2019 (25th anniversary edition) Age 1-5 years Although first published in 1990 this heart-warming story feels timeless in its themes of family and excitement for a new baby. Mum and Baby aren't really doing anything when they hear 'ding dong!' It's Auntie Bibba who wants to squeeze the baby. At the next 'ding dong!' Uncle Didi arrives and he wants to kiss the baby. One by one (or in some cases two by two) other relatives arrive until there is a whole house full of love. But what are they all gathering for? Is it something extra special? With wonderful repetition and a great build-up, this is a brilliant story to read out loud together.