11 Children's Books About LOVE Featuring Black Characters

Celebrate LOVE this month with our hand-selected children’s books featuring Black main characters. Dive into stories about loving our family, ourselves, our communities, and our world.

Check out our list below and leave a comment with a children’s book you love that’s all about love!

“Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
“Hair Love” originated as an animated short about Zuri who wanted her Dad to give her an extra special hairstyle for her mom to see once she got home. This book celebrates natural hair, kinks, coils, curls, and the love of family that keeps us going.

Check out a free read aloud from Story time Books here.

“I Am Enough” by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Love rings through every page of "I Am Enough" by creating a celebration of differences. Byers’ message to readers is to embrace everyone with kindness regardless of ability, belief, or appearance. Uniqueness is a great strength!

Click here for a free read aloud from Grace Byers herself.

“I Love You Too” by Ziggy Marley, illustrated by A.G. Jatkowska
Like your favorite song playing right when you want it to, "I Love You Too" is both rhythmically and lyrically rich. This book celebrates expressing love with no boundaries and affirms that there is no love like the one shared with family and friends.

Listen to the rhythms yourself with a free read aloud here.

“I Believe I Can” by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
The theme of this book is the limitless potential that exists within all of us. Young learners are at the heart of the message and can see affirmations on each page and illustration. From overcoming obstacles, using our imagination, and trusting the process of growth, this book emphasizes that there are no bounds to what we can do.

Check out a free read aloud here.

“All Because You Matter” by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Get ready for a journey throughout time and space as we examine our relationship to the universe and the people who came before us. This introspection gives us an avenue to reflect on what makes us feel important and why, just like everyone who came before us, we matter.

Listen to a free read aloud here.

“Love You Head to Toe” written and illustrated by Ashley Barron
Our youngest geniuses will embrace this story full of animal motifs and precious imagery. A celebration of new life and beginnings and all the excitement that comes with discoveries. 

Find a free read aloud of the story here.

“I Love My Hair” by Natasha Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Celebrating Black hair and the history behind the many forms it takes, "I Love My Hair" is a beautiful example of taking pride in yourself. When Kenya gets frustrated with her mother as she sits between her knees and feels a yank or tug a bit too hard, her mother reminds her of the beauty and significance of her stylings.

Click here for a free read aloud.

“One Love” by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
"One Love", the jubilant Bob Marley tune, is the inspiration for this book as a neighborhood is inspired by all the love existing within it. From the birds to the trees, everyone can let some joy in by embracing togetherness.

Check out a free read aloud here.

“Full, Full, Full of Love” by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Paul Howard
The comforting feeling of sharing meals with family radiates from this book as Jay Jay recounts his trip to Grandma’s house and their delicious feast. With childlike wonder, he asks when will the food be ready? And when will everyone arrive? Questions we can relate to as we prepare for a celebration of love.

Listen to the story being read aloud here. 

“I Am Every Good Thing” by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
Poetic and dynamic, Barnes shows love for young Black boys with the message that they are capable of every good thing. From pursuing dreams, being a good friend and brother, and embodying love for others, “I am a non-stop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader.”

Listen to one of our favorite books being read aloud here.

“Lola Loves Stories” by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Lola and her dad love going to the library to pick out the next book they’ll read together. Each story plants a seed that grows with Lola’s imagination and sparks new experiences every day.

Click here to listen to the story read aloud.

BONUS PICK: "Always With You, Always With Me" by Kelly Rowland and Jessica McKay, illustrated by Fanny Liem"

Follow Mommy and Child throughout the days of the week, picking up on magic traces of one another as they stay connected no matter where they are. 

Listen to a live read-aloud from co-author Kelly Rowland HERE.

Related R2S blog articles:

5 Children's Books by bell hooks
Racial Equity Education Opportunities and Anti-Racism Trainings
10 Books About Moving to a New Place Featuring Black Protagonists
10 STEM-inspire Children's books With Black Protagonists
10 Spring-Inspired Books Featuring Black Characters
8 Winter-Themed Culturally-Responsive Children's Books