Broadening the Story: 60 Picture Books Starring Black Mighty Girls

Baby Dance

"Dance, little baby, / move to and fro / Coo and crow, baby, / there you go." Who would have thought a nineteenth-century poem would capture the joy of moving with baby so perfectly? When Mama falls asleep on the sofa, it's an opportunity for Dad and his little girl to have a swooping, twirling dance, just the two of them. This energetic book is perfect for reading aloud... or dancing to!

Bye-Bye Binky

This little girl is big enough to be ready to say goodbye to her beloved pacifier! She remembers being a baby, when the only thing she could do was cry — but now that she can speak, she can ask for what she needs, whether that's a snack, a nap, or a nice comforting hug. This simple and engaging book presents a little girl who's full of confidence that she can manage this important transition from baby to big kid!

Please, Baby, Please

This sweet and funny story captures the joys, challenges, frustrations, and laughter that come with raising a toddler! The action starts at three in the morning with the plea "Go back to bed, baby, please, baby, please." The refrain continues throughout this silly take on a "day in the life" story, making it loads of fun to read aloud and a joy for children to listen to. And to see the tables turned on the toddlers, check out the sequel Please, Puppy, Please, in which a new pet shows the little girl just what it’s like when someone won’t listen to you!

Girl of Mine

For this little girl, bedtime means special time with Daddy! In this charming bedtime book, as a father cradles his little girl, she is whisked away on an imaginative adventure swinging above lush floral gardens under the golden moonlight — that ends, naturally, in content slumber. The text, inspired by "Rock-a-bye baby", is engaging and loving, and coupled with the whimsical and peaceful illustrations, this is a fantastic bedtime (or anytime) story.

I Know A Lot!

Toddlers can sometimes feel like everyone knows more than them, but if they think about it, they know an awful lot! Heavy and light, day and night, light and dark... they're all important facts that govern the way our world works. In fact, "If you ask me things / I know a lot!" This lighthearted rhyming story, with its stylish, retro-style illustrations, celebrates the small wins of early childhood; it's sure to become a fast favorite.

Carmin Cares

When Carmin gets gum on her shoe while playing on the playground, she decides it's time that someone did something about the mess — and that "someone" may as well be her! But Carmin's not old enough to clean the whole park by herself, so what can she do? It turns out that even the littlest kids can find ways to encourage people to take care of their community — and their environment. This cheerful picture book with a positive message is a fun read and a great way to prompt discussions about how kids can help.

Lola at the Library

Special trips to the library are often the spark that starts a love of reading! Tuesdays are library days for Lola and her mother, and every moment is exciting, from packing her backpack with books to return, to storytime and songs, to picking the perfect new story for Mommy to read at night. The simple text and bright illustrations follow this library-loving little girl every step of the way. Fans of Lola can also follow her as she journeys towards being an independent reader in Lola Loves Stories and Lola Reads to Leo — and more of her adventures in the rest of the Lola Reads series.

When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree

Sometimes, even if you give Grandma a very careful list of electronic gadgets you'd like for your birthday... she'll give you a lemon tree instead. If that happens, you should be polite and say thank you, and you definitely should not try to get rid of it (even if you do come up with some clever ideas.) Instead, put it somewhere sunny and give it just enough water, and with a little time, you might just have some delicious home-made lemonade (recipe included)! This wry and clever book about the joys of tending a growing plant is sure to make kids giggle, and give them a new appreciation of all the good things that can come from a little patience.

Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip

Grandma Lena takes good care of her veggie garden, but one year, even she outdoes herself and grows a massive turnip! But when the time comes to pull it, Grandma Lena can't make it budge. Even with help from Grandpa, Uncle Izzy, and even the family dog, that turnip doesn't move an inch... until Baby Pearl adds one last bit of oomph to the family's pull. This retelling of a Russian folk tale seems perfectly at home in a modern setting, and makes a great starting point for talking about seeds, farming, and where our food comes from.

This Is Ruby

Ruby may be a little girl, but she has big questions — and the enthusiasm to match her curiosity! She likes to excavate (or just dig holes) and to build things, and she's eager to know how everything works. She's not sure if she'll be an animal conservationist, an archaeologist, an inventor, or something else she hasn't even thought of yet. And she's more than happy to bring readers along for the ride. This companion to Sara O'Leary's beloved This Is Sadie encourages young readers to share Ruby's day, and reminds them that questions are the first step to learning more about our world!

I Am Actually A Penguin

When this little girl gets a penguin costume, she's delighted — and declares that it's much more fun to be a penguin that just to dress up as one. And of course, a REAL penguin doesn't ride the bus, talk, or eat fish sticks. And even when her exasperated family says, "You're not actually a penguin," she knows the truth! But when the day finally comes that the costume needs a wash, will she break character — or will this determined and imaginative girl find a new identity she likes even better? This delightfully light-hearted story is sure to please young readers who love to play pretend.

I Got The Rhythm

A walk to the park is full of rhythm for this little girl and her mother! All the ambient sounds come together in a beat that they can’t resist, and soon their joyful dance to the sounds of ice cream sellers, street performers, and even butterflies attracts all the other children to join in. With each double page spread showing a way to capture the rhythm — with hands, knees, feet, and more — this book make a great read-aloud. This exuberant character returns with some holiday flair in I Got The Christmas Spirit.

I Love My Hair!

Kenaya is a little girl with a big imagination. Every night, she and her mother sit down for the dreaded ritual of combing Kenaya’s thick hair. But as Kenaya’s mother tells her all the wonderful and different ways she can wear her hair, Kenaya imagines those styles in fantastic ways, from thread on a spinning wheel to rows of plants in a garden to her favorite style, two ponytails that become wings that let her soar high above the world. This tribute to the beauty of naturally textured hair is sure to delight.

I Like Myself!

In this hilarious and high energy ode to self esteem, a little girl knows that, no matter what she does, where she goes, or what other people think, she is special because “I’m ME!” That means that, even when she's not at her best — like when she wakes up with spectacular bedhead — she's still the same person underneath. Kids will laugh at the silliness of beaver breath and stinky toes, while adults will enjoy its celebration of individuality. David Catrow's vibrant and hilarious illustrations provide a confident young girl as a role model, while Karen Beaumont's rhyming text makes for a great read-aloud.

The Bear's Garden

A little girl imagines a beautiful garden that starts with a single seed — and a stuffed bear — in this picture book inspired by the Pacific Street Brooklyn Bear’s Community Garden in Brooklyn, New York. Outside her window, there's a vacant lot that she envisions as "a place to grow, a play to play, and a place to love." She starts by planting one seed in a can, which she tends with her beloved stuffed panda. When the can topples and the seedling roots in the lot below, she carefully oversees its growth. The girl has to leave for a while, and leaves her bear to supervise... and when she returns, the community has come together to create something amazing! This charming picture book celebrates the joy of working together to create beauty in surprising places.

The Colors of Us

Lena is painting a picture of herself and tells her mother that she needs brown for her skin — but her artist mother isn't going to let her get off that easily! She insists that there are many shades of brown, and to prove it, she takes Lena for a walk through the neighborhood, where she sees skin colors that look like honey, peanut butter, pizza crust, ginger, peaches, chocolate, and more. By the end of her walk, Lena has learned to see "brown" in a whole new way. This positive look at skin color will get kids finding and celebrating the unique color of their own skin tones.

City Shapes

This little girl discovers that shapes are everywhere! As she walks through the city, she sees big rectangle skyscrapers and circular bubbles, diamond kites and more. Cheerful verse encourages young readers to spot the shapes in each illustration — there are plenty more to find than just the one in the text. A sweet ending where the little girl finds "the SHAPE /she loves best. /The SHAPE that is home — / her warm CIRCLE nest" provides a sense of comfort and calm at the end of a busy day.

Pecan Pie Baby

Gia liked things the way they were, but now her mother is pregnant and all anyone talks about is the baby: her friends ask if she hopes for a boy or a girl, her relatives fuss over Mama, and even her teacher reads a story about being a big sister. Eventually, Gia explodes, yelling that she’s tired of hearing about the “DING-DANG BABY!” Fortunately, patient, understanding Mama is there to reassure her that, while many things will change, Gia will always have her mother. This lovely story about an unsure soon-to-be big sister is sure to resonate with many Mighty Girls.

The Old Truck

In the fields of a farm, a little girl works with her family, loading their beat-up but faithful pickup truck full of the veggies they grow. At night, she imagines what else the truck might be up to: perhaps it sails across the ocean or chases stars across the sky! Time takes its toll on the truck, and soon it's rusted and motionless, hidden in tall grass and overgrown with weeds... until the girl, now grown, tows it out, repairs and repaints, and proudly gets her childhood companion back to work — alongside her own little girl. With appealing retro illustrations and a nostalgic story that celebrates perseverance, creativity, and hard work, this book will make kids look at "old" things in a new way.

Hair Love

Zuri's full head of naturally textured hair has a mind of its own, but today is a very special occasion and she needs it to look just right! At first, she tries to do it herself, but when Daddy wakes up to see her searching for hairstyles on her tablet, he says he'll help. It's not quite as simple as he expects it to be, but for his little girl, he's determined to do better — and with a little help from a tutorial, Zuri and Daddy style the perfect "funky puff buns" just in time for Mommy's return home! This tender and loving book empowers girls to love their hair — and dads to believe that they can handle whatever their daughters need.

Isobel Adds It Up

Isobel has math homework, but she doesn't mind: solving problems is her thing! But the new next door neighbors are making so much racket it's hard for her to concentrate. It's so loud she imagines it must be a marching band, a basketball team, or even a family of elephants! At first she tries to get back at the neighbors by making a ruckus herself, but she soon realizes there's probably a kinder way to express what she needs. She and her father make a batch of cookies and leave them with a note asking for quiet... and when she gets a note back, Isobel makes a new (if somewhat unusual!) study buddy. This funny picture book celebrates a math-loving girl who learns the power of stating your needs — and making new friends.

Not Quite Snow White

Tameika loves to perform on stage — and whether she's acting, singing, or dancing, she always puts on a great show. So when her school decides to put on a musical version of Snow White she can't wait to audition... until she hears her peers talking behind her back about how she's too tall, too chubby, and too brown for the role. Fortunately, Tameika's parents give her just the right reassurance she needs to nail the audition — and show there's no one right way to be a princess. Text that emphasizes Tameika's passion and drive and images that highlight the joy she takes in acting combine to create an empowering story of self-confidence and individuality.

Your Name Is a Song

This little girl's first day of school was discouraging: nobody could say her name, she tells her Momma, not even the teacher. But Momma knows the perfect solution: she'll turn her name into a song! As they walk through their diverse neighborhood, Momma sings names from African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern families. She even gently tackles the idea that some names are "made up," saying, "Made-up names come from dreamers. Their real names were stolen long ago so they dream up new ones." This poignant and important picture book includes a glossary about name pronunciations, origins, and meanings, and a gentle reminder of the importance of listening closely to someone's name.

Saturday

Ava and her mother have a very special Saturday routine that's just for them, including storytime at the library, hairdos at the salon, a picnic at the park... and this week, a very special puppet show! But today, everything goes wrong. At each step, Ava's mother reminds her of what they do to calm down when something goes wrong: "They paused, closed their eyes, and — whew! — let out a deep breath." But when it's Mom's mistake that ruins the last part of their day, Mom feels like she's going to fall apart — until Ava is able to remind her that the important thing about Saturday is that they are together. The author / illustrator behind Thank You, Omu! returns with a sweet story, full of radiant artwork, that reminds kids that the love between parent and child is more powerful than any disappointment.

The Nutcracker in Harlem

It's the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, and Marie's family party is full of energy, fun, and most importantly, music! But while her Uncle Cab encourages her to sing, Marie is too shy... that is, until she falls asleep under the Christmas tree and travels to an imaginary world where the new nutcracker, a drummer boy, joins her on a daring adventure — in which Marie saves the day by scaring away the mouse army with her drumming! The next morning, Marie not only discovers her own drum under the tree, she also realizes that she's found her voice. Inspired by the first act of The Nutcracker and by the history of the Harlem Renaissance, this book is full of vibrant color and bursting with life.

Reading Beauty

Space Princess Lex devours books, but when she wakes up on her fifteenth birthday, she's shocked to find the bookshelves empty! It turns out that a fairy has threatened a curse: a death-like sleep caused by a paper cut. Lex doesn't want to live without her beloved books, and she doesn't think the rest of the kingdom should have to either, so the bold princess decides to set out in search of the fairy and convince her to set things right. Set in the same universe as Interstellar Cinderella, this funny twisted fairy tale is a celebration of the power of knowledge and the love of reading.

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville

It's 1960, and there's only one think Alta can think about at the parade tomorrow: Wilma Rudolph, the three-time Olympic gold medalist, will be there! Once, she was the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee; now Alta is, and she can't wait to meet her hero. But then a new girl with shiny, fancy shoes challenges Alta to a race. What will happen if Alta isn't the quickest any more? This story about perseverance, teamwork, and following your dream also pays tribute to the first American woman to win three gold medals at one Olympiad.

The Camping Trip

Ernestine has a big adventure planned for this weekend: her first camping trip! Her single dad helps her pack everything on the list her aunt Jackie gave, and even helps her make some special trail mix. But when she gets to the campsite with Jackie and her cousin Samantha, Ernestine gets intimidated. Putting up a tent is hard, there are FISH in the lake she's supposed to swim in, and everything is so quiet and big. Fortunately, with a little encouragement (and a few s'mores), Ernestine realizes that she's up for these challenges! This exuberant story about both the joys and the downsides to a first camping trip provides a powerful lesson about the confidence that comes from getting out of your comfort zone.

Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light

Bear wants to be friends with the other forest animals, but they all think he's frightening because he's so big. His human friend, Coco, decides to help, and latches onto her grandmother's advice that "When life gets dark as winter’s night, share some kindness, bring some light.” The pair take her words literally, and try to deliver cookies and lanterns... but the animals don't trust Bear enough to take them. It's not until they're on their way home, and rescue Baby Deer from being stuck in the snow, that the other animals discover there's more to Bear than they thought! Glowing illustrations and a sweet story of selflessness combine beautifully in this charming picture book.

Kenya's Art

During spring break, Kenya's teacher wants each student to write about what they did on their vacation... but Kenya doesn't think she's done anything worth writing about. The she takes a trip to a museum that has a recycling exhibit, and on a walk through the neighborhood with her father, she's inspired! First she uses broken toys and other items to make art with her family, and then she gets ready to show her whole class how trash can become a thing of beauty. This fun story is sure to get kids' creative juices flowing about making old things new again.

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay

Zulay and her first-grade friends all study the same things, even though Zulay is blind. But while she's still self-conscious about her new white cane, when Zulay's teacher asks what activities they want to do for field day, Zulay answers right away: she wants to run a race! Fortunately, with the help of a supportive teacher and caring friends, there's no reason Zulay can't race too. This delightful book simultaneously celebrates everything that people with disabilities can do, while also reminding kids that everyone faces their own challenges.

I Had a Favorite Dress

This girl has a wonderful dress, that she always wears on her favorite day of the week. And when it's finally too short, she moans and complains — until her mother urges her to "make molehills out of mountains" by thinking of something she could do to address the problem. After a flash of inspiration, with the help of her crafty mama, the dress becomes a shirt, a tank top, a scarf, and so on — until finally, with the last few scraps, she makes something that will preserve the memory of her favorite dress forever. This celebration of ingenuity and resilience is sure to resonate with anyone who's dreaded the loss of a favorite thing.

Flossie and the Fox

Flossie has never seen a fox when her mother sends her to take eggs to Miz Viola, whose chickens have been harassed by an egg-eating fox. So when she bumps into a clever, red-furred creature in the woods, she refuses to believe he's a fox like he claims. Offended, the fox tries to point out his very fox-like attributes, only to have Flossie shake her head at every turn... until suddenly he realizes the clever girl has led him straight to the noses of the McCutchins' hounds! This sly tale is a fun read aloud that celebrates a cunning girl who can outfox the fox.

Dancing in the Wings

Sassy loves ballet more than anything, but she worries that her large feet, her long legs, or her big mouth will keep her from reaching her dream. When a famous director visits Sassy’s class, looking for talent for a dance festival, she tries to get his attention by wearing a vibrant leotard and leaping as high as she can. Soon, Sassy learns that, sometimes, it’s good to stand out from the crowd. Inspired by Debbie Allen’s own experiences as a young dancer, this story encourages empathy, but also captures the joy a dancer who finds her own way to soar.

The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County

Despite Big Mama's exasperated requests to leave the chickens alone, this little girl is determined to become the best chicken-chaser in the county. Soon, she can catch every chicken on the farm... except Miss Hen, the fastest, cleverest chicken around. The summer turns into a battle of wills between the girl and the chicken until she discovers Miss Hen's secret hiding place — and the nest of chicks hidden there — and makes the more mature decision not to trouble Miss Hen while she's with her babies. Full of delightful language that rolls off the tongue, this humorous read aloud will get kids laughing!

Thank You, Omu!

Omu's stew is so delicious that everyone in the neighborhood is drawn to her house by its scent — and Omu dishes out a portion to anyone who asks. But when evening comes, she realizes that she's accidentally given away all of her dinner! She doesn't go hungry for long, however; a knock at the door reveals the whole community, who have brought a potluck feast to thank Omu for her generosity. Author-illustrator Oge Mora notes that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in her parents' language, Igbo, but that it meant "Grandma" to her growing up — one of many charming touches in this story of a sharing community.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

For Faizah's big sister Asiya, the first day of school is also her first day wearing hijab, with a beautiful blue fabric she picked that reminds Faizah of "the ocean waving to the sky." But at school, both a classmate's whispered curiosity and a bully's nasty taunts shake Faizah's confidence. How can people see her sister's hijab as anything but beautiful? Fortunately, with Asiya's example to encourage her, Faizah discovers new strength and pride in the things that make her family unique. Olympic fencing medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad teamed up with S.K. Ali to create this lyrical, uplifting text, while Hatem Aly's vibrant illustrations depict a world of diverse people, supportive friends, and a pair of sisters who are always there for one another.

I Am Enough

Every person is here for a reason — every person is enough! This lyrical book from actor and activist Grace Byers captures the power of loving yourself, and the amazing things that can happen when we respect and love others, too. On each page, a one- or two-line affirmation invites kids to consider their place in the world, while stunning illustrations by debut artist Keturah A. Bobo feature diverse girls and celebrate their differences as signs of their uniqueness. This empowering and inspirational book is an ode to the best in all of us.

Something Beautiful

After her teacher put the word "beautiful" on the chalkboard, this little girl wishes there were something beautiful in her neighborhood: all she sees is ugly and scary, from graffiti on the walls to broken glass on the ground. But when she asks her neighbors what they know that's beautiful, each of them has an immediate answer for her, ranging from a perfectly cooked fish sandwich to a round, juicy apple to a smooth stone. Beauty, she realizes, lies in our own eyes and actions — which means that we all have the power to find it. This engaging book provides an important message about happiness and empowerment.

The Honest-to-Goodness Truth

After Libby tells a lie, her mother gives her a lesson in the importance of telling the truth. But when Libby decides to be completely honest all the time, people don't seem happy with that either — even if it is true that her friend has a hole in her sock, her classmate forgot his lunch money, and the next-door neighbor's yard that looks like a jungle. It's not until Libby gets a taste of a truth about herself that she begins to understand that the truth can either help or hurt. This excellent lesson on one of childhood's most difficult concepts — truth, lies, and being kind — is lighthearted, witty, and fun.

Islandborn

Lola's class is full of kids from all over the world, so when her teacher asks them to draw pictures of where they're from, most students are excited... but Lola feels left out. She's from The Island (which adult readers will recognize as the Dominican Republic) but her family left when she was a baby, and she doesn't remember it. So she sets out to learn more about The Island, asking family, friends, and neighbors. The picture she gets is complex — it includes beauties and joys, as well as heartbreak and fears — but the most important thing Lola learns is that a family's shared story is an important part of every member, even those who don't remember it for themselves.

The Rain Stomper

Jazmin has been eagerly waiting for the day of the neighborhood parade, ready to twirl her baton and take the lead... but when the day finally comes, it's grey, rainy, and thunderous. "Mud Puddler...Cloud Crasher...Parade Wrecker," she complains, but the rain keeps coming. Finally, frustration leads her outside to shake her fists and stomp her feet — where she discovers that the rain can be plenty of fun too! Soon all her friends are cheering on Jazmin the Rain Stomper, whose stomping and splashing manages to outlast the rain. This encouraging story about making the best of a situation may inspire a few rain stomping parades!

JoJo's Flying Side Kick

JoJo loves Tae Kwon Do, but when Master Kim declares she’s ready to take her yellow belt test, suddenly her stomach is tied in knots. Some of the skills, particularly the flying side kick and the board break, are very intimidating, especially when JoJo is still afraid of the tree outside her bedroom window. Her friends and family have lots of advice, but in the end, it’s JoJo who finds the key to turning her fears into success. With dynamic illustrations and a story every young reader can identify with, this story is sure to be a favorite.

The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

Kameeka and Jamara are going to go head to head today to see who's really the Hula-Hooping Queen of 139th Street... until Kameeka's mother reminds her that today is their neighbor Miz Adeline's birthday and sets Kameeka to work on chores for the party. Kameeka's distraction results in a ruined cake, so she shamefully confesses to Miz Adeline... only to discover that Miz Adeline knows "the hula-hoopin' itch" rather well herself! Before long, the whole neighborhood is hooping together, and Kameeka finds the perfect birthday dessert to celebrate Miz Adeline: a hoop-shaped doughnut. This cheerful story of love and forgiveness is sure to inspire her to pick up her own hula hoop.

Firebird

A young ballerina looks up at her idol and despairs: how can she ever hope to achieve such heights? But her idol speaks back to her, telling her about the thousands of hours of practice that it took to become the Firebird — and the dreams that every generation inspires in the next. Ballerina Misty Copeland's lyrical text is dreamy and poetic, while Christopher Myers' vivid and dynamic illustrations capture the combination of power and serenity in ballet. The book includes an author's note about Copeland's ballet journey, as well as her desire to provide diverse role models for girls.

Little Robot

A little girl who loves to tinker and fix things finds a robot in the woods — and is shocked when the push of a button activates him for the first time! Soon, the pair are the best of friends, but the little robot is also curious about its own kind. Unfortunately, the large, sinister robots at the factory that made the little robot are looking for him too and they don’t care who they hurt along the way to get him back. Now, the two new friends will have to fight for the little robot’s freedom! This fun and charming wordless graphic novel, which stars an inventive and intelligent Mighty Girl, will be a hit with any young reader who’s imagined having their own robot friend.

The Day You Begin

There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.... There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or because you are quiet when others' voices fill the room. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson lyrical text and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López's dazzling art celebrates the courage it takes to go out into a world where you feel strange and alone, and the acceptance and friendship you can find if you do.

Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration

"Deep secret brown" is how one little girl describes the river near her grandmother's house — and her own eyes. "Feathery brown," says another, "Like the jagged shadows of hemlock branches thrown over me and Daddy on a gentle mountain hike." There are so many shades of brown out there, both in the beautiful world in which we live, and on the beautiful people around us! Lyrical verse and rich illustrations combine to create a gorgeous celebration of the joy of loving your own skin and recognizing your place in a community and a wide world that's out there for you to find.