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Authors & Illustrators

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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  1. A. Thompson says...

    Can’t miss Ngozi UKazu who wrote/illustrated the YA/Teen series “Check Please”

  2. Rebecca says...

    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

  3. Judy Allen Dodson says...

    Loved your slideshow! Here are two to consider:

    Geneva Bowers
    https://www.genevab.com/

    Jeffery Weatherford

  4. Black Girl says...

    Lovely list. Please don’t forget Mechal Renee Roe and her brand Happy Hair.

  5. Dede Carlsten says...

    Jerry Pinkney – he and his wife and daughter are creating wonderful books.

  6. 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!

  7. Denise Brown says...

    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.

  8. Ansley Fuller says...

    I love all of these pictures and I hope to learn more about these amazing people.

  9. N.Colander says...

    I’m in search of a black illustrator for my first children’s book. Open to suggestions!

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