Black Moms Favorite Books To Read With Their Little Ones

These mamas have 11 children between them, ranging from ages 3 to 16. Melanie, a two-time Grammy award winner, is a mom of one son, age nine, and one daughter, age three. Codie, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Black Love Inc., is a mom to three boys, including six year old twins and an eight year old. Felicia, a health advocate, entrepreneur and influencer, is a mother of two littles, a six year old son and a ten year old daughter. Ashley, an author, writer, and influencer, is a mother of four daughters, ages three, six, eight, and sixteen. Together, they make up The Mama’s Den podcast. 

The latest episode is basically a show-and-tell celebration of children’s books that not only entertain but empower. These stories—rooted in diversity, equality, and emotional growth—offer a meaningful way to nurture thoughtful, loving, and self-assured kids.

Hello There, Sunshine by Tabitha Brown
You know and love her soulful cooking, but Auntie Tab’s talents extend far beyond the kitchen. The hosts of The Mama’s Den say that her book delivers feel-good affirmations and warm vibes, encouraging kids to embrace each new day with joy and positivity.

Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid by Tamron Hall

Codie, Ashley, Felicia and Melanie love this book by talk show host Tamron Hall. Tamron takes us on a vibrant journey through Harlem, celebrating culture, community, and the magic of knowing exactly where you come from. Harlem Honey hits bookshelves on March 25. 

I Got It From My Mama by Tika Sumpter
Tika beautifully captures the bond between mothers and daughters, reminding us that our little ones inherit so much more than just their dimples or curls—they get our strength, love, and spirit too. I Got It From My Mama hits bookshelves on April 22. 

Black Moms Favorite Books To Read With Their Kids

Beyond the new releases, the Mamas shared their go-to bookshelves staples. These titles are favorites for helping kids embrace their creativity, practice self-love, and understand their emotions:

• Stacey Speaks Up by Stacey Abrams
• What Makes A Baby by Cory Silverberg
• Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
• What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada
• A Kids Book About Self-Love by Brandon Farbstein
• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
• The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
• A Kids Book About Creativity by Sara and Stewart Scott-Curran
• The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
• God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
• There’s A Unicorn in My Backyard by Martellus Bennett
• Candle Bible for Kids by Juliet David
• The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
• I am Peace by Susan Verde
• I am Love by Susan Verde
• A Kids Book About Self-Love by Brandon Farbstein

Of course, no book roundup would be complete without one of our very own Mama’s contributions. Ashley Chea proudly shared her thinking behind her children’s book Beautiful, Beautiful Me in this week’s episode:

“Obviously I love this book — not because it’s my book, but it’s the first thing that I created after I created [my daughter] Amirah,” Ashley explains on The Mama’s Den. “I created the book because I just couldn’t find any children’s books that were really celebrating all children. There were some for Black children, some for just white children, but none that really encompassed the spectrum of all children and their colors and races. And so, I created it.”

It’s a heartfelt reminder that representation matters—and that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the pages of their favorite stories.

The Mamas pour so much love and intentionality into the books they read with their kids. By helping kids see themselves, appreciate others, and imagine the impossible, these stories encourage us to fill our homes with books that nurture growing hearts and minds.

So if you’re looking to refresh your kiddo’s bookshelf—or even pick up a thoughtful gift for a new parent—you’ll want to hit play on this episode and add every single one of these titles to your cart. Ready to cozy up for storytime? Catch the latest episode of The Mama’s Den now on all podcast platforms and on Black Love’s YouTube channel!