30+ Incredible Black Children’s Book Illustrators
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Christian Robinson, Photographed by Michelle Drewes
Need some fresh inspiration for your summer reading stack? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’re celebrating 30 Black illustrators whose stunning artworks have brought to life hundreds of incredible children’s books in a variety of spellbinding styles. From award-winning superstars who’ve been illustrating for decades (hello, E.B. Lewis and Pat Cummings!), to rising talents in the field (like Christian Robinson and Keturah A. Bobo), we’re putting some faces, names, and stories to some of the most vibrant kid-lit artwork around. If these talented folks aren’t already mainstays on your child’s bookshelf, we’re confident you’ll discover dozens of soon-to-be-favorites below.
Is an illustrator you love missing from our list? Feel free to let us know in the comments below, as we’ll be updating this list regularly!
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Can’t miss Ngozi UKazu who wrote/illustrated the YA/Teen series “Check Please”
Good Day!
I would love to see my friend, Nicole Tadgell, added to this list. She is a prolific and beautiful Black artist for children’s books!
Thank you!
Peace
Rebecca
Loved your slideshow! Here are two to consider:
Geneva Bowers
https://www.genevab.com/
Jeffery Weatherford
Lovely list. Please don’t forget Mechal Renee Roe and her brand Happy Hair.
Jerry Pinkney – he and his wife and daughter are creating wonderful books.
Thanks for putting this list together! Another good addition would be Cornelius Van Wright– http://www.corneliusvanwright.com/. Not to be too biased, but he is the illustrator for my debut picture book out next year!
Looking for Black illustrator of children’s books based around Balto., DC. , PA, Jersey proximity.
I live in Baltimore.
Project is a Covid-19 children’s book.
I love all of these pictures and I hope to learn more about these amazing people.
I’m in search of a black illustrator for my first children’s book. Open to suggestions!