10 Books to Read With Your Baby or Child About Race

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

  • Nelson Mandela



It’s never too early to start educating a baby and begin having conversations about race and the different cultures of the world. Babies are born with no bias towards race but research show that this can manifest as early as 6 months and it’s importance to expose babies to cultural differences and ethnicities. I decided to build Oscar’s book collection and researched different picture books that celebrate Black history and culture  and that feature Black protagonists.

FYI I have linked to these books on Amazon for your ease. I’ve never affiliate links on this blog so I’m not profiting from this post however for every link clicked I will donate to the George Floyd fund.

1. The Smeds and The Smoos by Julia Donalson and Axel Scheffler


A Red alien and a Blue Alien fall in love but their families hate each other – think Romeo and Juliet but for colourful aliens. The message is subtle but clear, it’s about inclusion and embracing each other irrelevant of colour and family bias.

2. My Hair by Hannah Lee


My hair is a celebration of black hair! The girl in the book loves her beautiful afro hair and as she decides how to wear it for a celebration she takes a look at all her family and friends’ hair.

3. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker Rees 


The story of a tall and awkward giraffe who wants to join the other animals at a party. There’s a message that everyone is different and that’s a wonderful thing.

4. My Brown Skin by Thomishia Booker 


A wonderful uplifting story about embracing who you are and loving yourself.

5. Little People, Big Dreams


I absolutely love the Little People, Big Dreams which are about famous people from history. The books cover lots of different icons from different cultures but I bought Oscar three books covering people that have been important in Black history: Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King Jnr. The books are probably a little old for babies but I enjoyed reading them to Oscar anyway and hopefully he’ll take in the important history subliminally.

6. Riley Can Be Anything


An uplifting book about Riley as he think about all the things he can be when he grows up.

7. Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer


A super fun book about a stylish girl called Mary.

8. The Mega Magic Hair Swap


Two best friends covet each other’s hair but after a magical swap they soon decide they prefer being themselves.

9. Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers

A seriously beautiful book about Planet Earth and all the people that come in different shapes and sizes.

10. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold


A gorgeous book set in a classroom where all types of differences are embraced.

I know this collection just scratches the surface but it’s a work in progress. I’d love to hear some recommendations from you too!

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