Brothers of the Knight
A modern retelling of the classic tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, by actress and choreographer Debbie Allen and one of the first books illustrated by Kadir Nelson!
Children’s Folk & Fairy Tales for Black History Month
Everyone loves a fairy tale. Heroes, villains, monsters and magic! The following titles feature enchanting stories and spellbinding artwork from Black authors and illustrators. From American tall tales to African legends, these books are guaranteed fun for children and families.
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Grandma Lena’s Big Ol’ Turnip
Grandma Lena takes good care of the turnips she plants in her garden. One turnip grows so big that Grandma can’t pull it out of the ground! Even when Grandpa, Uncle Izzy and the dog help Grandma yank and tug, the big ol’ turnip doesn’t budge.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.
Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales
Gracefully told by Newbery Medalist Virginia Hamilton, this collection of 19 stories focuses on the magical lore and wondrous imaginings of Black women. With vibrant artwork by Caldecott winners Leo and Diane Dillon.
John Henry
Based on the popular folk ballad about the contest between John Henry and the steam drill, this picture-book version is a tall tale and a heroic myth, a celebration of the human spirit.
The Little Mermaid
Legendary artist Jerry Pinkney’s singular reinvention of this tale about love and sacrifice empowers young, 21st century girls with the strong message that “you should never give up your voice . . . for anyone.”
Peggony-Po: A Whale of a Tale
In this original tall tale, Galleon, an African American sailor with a peg leg, takes a piece of driftwood and carves the figure of a boy which comes to life.
Precious and the Boo Hag
Precious isn’t feeling well, so when her family leaves she stays home. Before they go, Mama reminds her not to let anyone in, and Brother tells her to watch for the Boo Hag, who tries to make you disobey your mama!
This title is also available for checkout as an eAudio on OverDrive/Libby and as an eAudio on Hoopla.
Princess and the Peas
In this adaptation of “The Princess and the Pea,” Ma Sally cooks the best black-eyed peas in Charleston County, South Carolina. Her son, John, is a highly eligible bachelor, and three local women vie for his hand in marriage by attempting to cook as well as Ma.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Thunder Rose
The night Thunder Rose was born to her parents, the thunder gave her her name, and she rolled the lightning into a ball and put it on her shoulder. By the next day, she was lifting a whole cow for a drink of milk. At two, she wove a pile of scrap iron into a thunderbolt; at twelve, she invented barbed wire, stopped a stampede, and captured a band of desperadoes. Thunder Rose even turns away a tornado with her song and the depth of her fortunate feeling.
This title is also available for checkout as an eAudio on Hoopla.
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
When the Great King decides to take a wife and invites the most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters–but only one can be queen. Who will the king choose?
This title is also available for checkout as an eAudio on OverDrive/Libby and as an eAudio on Hoopla.