25 Picture Books That Center Black Characters in Nature
Are you a caregiver or teacher looking for children’s books that have Black star characters AND feature outdoor play? The list below is a great place to start.
For some tips on finding great books that the children in your life will love, the team over at Diverse Bookfinder offers a few recommendations about how to evaluate diverse and multicultural children’s books, including considering the creator’s personal experience.
Of the 25 books below, the first 14 are #OwnVoices stories by Black authors and/or illustrators. #OwnVoices means that the creator shares an identity with the characters in the book.
Each book summary also includes a link to a read-aloud that you and your little ones can enjoy together.
Happy reading!
The Thing About Bees by Shabazz Larkin
This story is a love poem from a father to his two sons, and a tribute to the bees that pollinate the foods we love to eat. Children are introduced to different kinds of bees, “how not to get stung,” and how the things we fear are often things we don’t fully understand. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
Gator, Gator, Gator by Daniel Bernstrom
In this aquatic version of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” a brave little girl takes off in search of a giant gator. She wants YOU, the reader, to come along…so put on your life jacket, hop in the boat, and raise your binoculars—it’s time to go on an adventure! This story, with a touch of mystery and rhythmic poetry, invites young readers to notice and discuss the clearly illustrated flora and fauna that keep getting mistaken for the elusive gator. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
Jayden’s Impossible Garden by Mélina Mangal
This book follows Jayden as he sets out to show his mom and others the magic of nature in the middle of the city. He befriends a neighbor, Mr. Curtis, and together they have adventures both real and imagined. At the back of the book, readers will find activities to make items found in the story, such as the milk jug bird feeder. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 4-9
Where’s Rodney? by Carmen Bogan
Rodney daydreams all day about the small park between his home and school. Where is Rodney? He may be at home or school, but his mind imaginatively wanders outside, where he loves being the most. As if by magic, Rodney is transformed when he finally encounters a huge park – a great, big park where he can peacefully be. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 5-9
**Also check out the author’s upcoming release of Tasha’s Voice about a young girl who finds connection in nature on the same class trip featured in Where’s Rodney?.
Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon
Meet Rocket, a girl who wants to be an astronaut like Mae Jemison, and who encourages her community to LOOK UP! from what they're doing and reach for the stars. A comet will be visible tonight, and Rocket wants everyone to see it with her…even her big brother, Jamal, whose attention is usually trained on his phone or video games. This story will inspire readers of all ages to dream big as it models Rocket's passion for science and infectious curiosity. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 5-8
Water, Water by Eloise Greenfield
From splashing to sipping, award-winning poet Eloise Greenfield covers all that’s exhilarating about water. This cool, rhythmic text is at once entertaining and educational. Jan Spivey Gilchrist’s bright watercolor illustrations help pursue this favorite element from the kitchen sink to the sea. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 2-8
Ty’s Travels: All Aboard! by Kelly Starling Lyons
This story follows an imaginative, energetic young boy named Ty who uses his creativity and love of nature to explore the great outdoors and make new friends along the way. Ty’s unapologetic playfulness will encourage young readers to follow his fun journeys and learn how to use the power of their imaginations. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 3-6
Max and the Tag-along Moon by Floyd Cooper
Max’s grandfather promises young Max that they both see the same moon at night – and that the moon will follow Max all the way home. Max worries once clouds roll through the sky to cover up the moon, but learns something about his grandfather along the way. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
The Meteorologist in Me by Brittney Shipp
Written by a real-life meteorologist, this is an inspirational tale about a little girl named Summer with a big dream: to become a TV Meteorologist. She loves sharing weather facts with her family and friends and wonders why everyone laughs at the thought of her on T.V. Join Summer's journey as she overcomes her fears, conquers her doubts and gains the courage to reach for her dreams. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 3-9
Buzzing With Questions by Janice N. Harrington
This nonfiction picture book follows the story of Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist (a scientist who studies bugs). Can spiders learn? How do ants find their way home? Can bugs see color? All of these questions buzzed endlessly in Charles Henry Turner’s mind. He was fascinated by plants and animals and bugs. And even when he faced racial prejudice, Turner did not stop wondering. He constantly read, researched, and experimented. The story highlights Turner’s unstoppable quest for knowledge and his passion for science. The extensive back section includes an author’s note, timeline, bibliography, source notes, and archival images. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 7-10
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim
John wants to be a preacher when he grows up – a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 5-8
Anna Carries Water by Olive Senior
Anna fetches water from the spring every day, but she can’t carry it on her head like her older brothers and sisters. In this charming and poetic family story set in Jamaica, Commonwealth Prize-winning author Olive Senior shows young readers the power of determination, as Anna achieves her goal and overcomes her fear. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud (by the author) | Ages 3-7
A Story About Afiya by James Berry
Some people have dresses for every occasion but Afiya needs only one. Her dress records the memories of her childhood, from roses in bloom to pigeons in flight, from tigers at the zoo to October leaves falling. A joyful celebration of a young girl's childhood, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet James Berry. #OwnVoices
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell
Baton twirler Jazmin is excited to lead today’s big neighborhood parade. Suddenly, the clouds crowd in and it starts to rain! Is Jazmin's parade ruined? Or can she use her spirit, her fearless energy, and her mighty baton to save the day? Debut author Addie Boswell teams up with award-winning illustrator Eric Velasquez to capture the lyrical rhythm of the rain and how one can make the most of an unexpected change in plans. #OwnVoices illustrator
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell
A young girl and her family go hiking up a nearby mountain for the very first time. As they climb up and up the path, they see everything from a friendly toad to a prickly porcupine, tall leafy trees to tiny red berries. With simple, lyrical text and bright illustrations that jump off the page, Hiking Day brings the joys of spending an afternoon outdoors to life.
Read Aloud | Ages 4-8
Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones
A feisty girl engineer endeavors to help an injured crow fly in this vibrant, STEAM-infused tale of determination, ingenuity, and friendship. Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, magnificent…and often malfunction. Despite the fact that she loves to invent, it never seems to work out in her favor. But when she finds a crow with a broken wing, she has to help! This is an inspiring story of creativity and perseverance in the face of failure while spotlighting friendship and intergenerational relationships.
Read Aloud | Ages 4-8
Water is Water by Miranda Paul
A biracial brother and sister explore the out-of-doors through the four seasons in this poetic look at the many forms water takes on its trip through its cycle. From rain to fog to snow to mist…the cycle is a beautiful and informative journey in this fun book, with lots of interesting facts at the end.
Read Aloud | Ages 6-10
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This classic from 1962 captures the magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall. Young Peter puts on his snowsuit and steps out of his house to explore. This story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.
Read Aloud | Ages 3-5
The Bear’s Garden by Marcie Colleen
With the help of her stuffed bear, a little girl brings her community together to create a beautiful garden. Inspired by the true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, New York, this picture book, The Bear’s Garden is a testament to how imagination and dedication can transform communities and create beauty for everyone in unexpected places.
Read Aloud | Ages 3-6
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the pond is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, tadpoles growing. These and many other secrets are waiting to be discovered…over and under the pond.
Read Aloud | Ages 5-8
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Ernestine is thrilled to go on her first camping trip with her aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha. Will she be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone? In an energetic illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, it reminds us that opening your mind to new experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead to great memories.
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse
"Come on, rain!" Tess pleads to the sky as listless vines and parched plants droop in the endless heat. Up and down the block, cats pant while heat wavers off tar patches in the broiling alleyway. More than anything, Tess hopes for rain. And when it comes, she and her friends are ready for a surprising joyous celebration. The story recreates the glorious experience of a quenching rainstorm on a sweltering summer day.
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
The Hike by Alison Farrell
This is a sweet and spirited adventure story about three young explorers who set out to wander their local forest. It includes a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights discoveries the girls make along the trail, and abundant labels throughout for learning about various plants and animals. The Hike celebrates how fun and rewarding it is to explore nature in your own backyard.
Read Aloud | Ages 3-7
Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
Book-loving Lola is inspired by a collection of garden poems that she reads with her mom. She wants to plant her own garden of beautiful flowers, so she and Mommy go to the library to check out books about gardening. They choose their flowers and buy their seeds, they dig and plant, and then they wait. Lola finds it hard to wait for her flowers to grow, but she spends the time creating her own flower book. Soon she has a garden full of sunflowers and invites all of her friends for cakes and punch and a story amongst the flowers.
Read Aloud | Ages 2-5
The Tree in Me by Corinna Luyken
This picture book explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Each of us is like a tree, with roots and fruit, and an enduring link to everything else in nature.
Read Aloud | Ages 2-5