February is Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, culture, and history of African Americans. At Common Ground Child Care, we believe it's never too early to start this conversation. Introducing diverse books to children, even in their earliest years, can play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, empathy, and respect for all cultures. Here are some thoughtful book recommendations for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that highlight Black heroes, stories, and achievements. These selections are perfect for sharing and discussing with our young learners.

For Infants: Board Books That Celebrate Diversity

1. "Whose Knees Are These?" by Jabari Asim, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

   • This playful, rhyming board book celebrates the joy and beauty of a little child's knees, perfect for the youngest readers.

2. "Please, Baby, Please" by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

   • From a toddler's busy day, this book captures the sweet moments of parenthood and the delights of growing up.

3. "Baby Says" by John Steptoe

   • A heartwarming story about the love and bond between two siblings, showcasing a beautiful depiction of family.

For Toddlers: Stories to Spark Curiosity

1. "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

   • A lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.

2. "Dream Big, Little One" by Vashti Harrison

   • Featuring 18 trailblazing Black women in American history, this board book version of "Little Leaders" inspires as it educates.

3. "Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

   • A celebration of dads and daughters together, "Hair Love" highlights the special relationship between a father and his daughter as he learns to do her hair for the first time.

For Preschoolers: Books to Explore and Understand

1. "Let's Talk About Race" by Julius Lester, illustrated by Karen Barbour

   • This book introduces the concept of race as only one component of an individual's or community's identity.

2. "The ABCs of Black History" by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer

   • A dynamic and engaging journey through the alphabet, highlighting the key figures and moments in Black history.

3. "Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman

   • A picture book adaptation of the adult book and movie, it tells the inspiring true story of four Black women who helped NASA launch men into space.

Incorporating these books into your reading routine can open up meaningful discussions about race, diversity, and the importance of celebrating everyone's unique contributions to our shared history. By starting these conversations early, we lay the foundation for empathy, understanding, and respect that will last a lifetime.

At Common Ground Child Care, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and heard. Celebrating Black History Month with our young learners is just one of the ways we honor this commitment.

For more resources or to learn about how we're celebrating Black History Month at Common Ground Child Care, please reach out to us. We're excited to share this journey of learning and discovery with our children and families.