Skin We Are In
Sindiwe Magona and Nina Jablonski
This is a vibrant, science-informed picture book best suited for children aged 8 to 12 years. It follows five friends—Njabulo, Aisha, Tim, Chris, and Roshni—as they explore why humans have different skin colors and how ideas about skin have evolved over time. Blending storytelling with scientific insight, the book celebrates the “glorious human rainbow” and encourages children to think critically about race, identity, and belonging. It’s especially powerful in the South African context, but its message resonates globally. A brilliant resource for classrooms, families, and community groups aiming to foster empathy and challenge prejudice.
Remarkable Me
Tshwanelo Serumola
This beautifully illustrated picture book is aimed at children aged 3 to 6 and offers a vibrant, affirming read for early childhood development. It is a celebration of identity, confidence, and kindness. Through rhythmic, easy-to-follow affirmations, it empowers young brown boys to embrace who they are. Each page encourages self-love, respect for others, and the joy of exploring the world. The inclusive illustrations reflect proudly South African children, making it a culturally resonant tool for building resilience and self-esteem from a young age.
It’s also available in Sesotho, isiXhosa, isiZulu, and Afrikaans, making it a versatile resource for multilingual families and educators.
How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?
Refiloe Moahloli
A joyful exploration of South Africa’s 11 official languages, encouraging children to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity through rhyme and vibrant illustrations.
Mpumi’s Magic Beads
Lebohang Masango
Set in Johannesburg, this story follows Mpumi and her friends as they discover the magic in their everyday lives. It’s a celebration of friendship, imagination, and urban South African childhood.
Herd Boy
Niki Daly
A beautifully illustrated tale, inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela. The story follows Malusi, a young Xhosa boy who tends his grandfather’s sheep and goats in the rural Eastern Cape. Malusi dreams of becoming president one day, and his courage and responsibility are tested when he protects his flock from danger. Toward the end of the book, he meets an elderly man in a shiny car who tells him, “A boy who looks after his herd will make a very fine leader.” This dignified figure strongly resembles Mandela and symbolically affirms Malusi’s dream. The book beautifully weaves together themes of leadership, humility, and aspiration, echoing Mandela’s own journey from herd boy to president. It’s a powerful read for children aged 6 to 10, especially in South African classrooms and homes.
Tullula
Refiloe Moahloli
A poetic story about identity and finding one’s place in the world, with themes of self-discovery and cultural pride.
Naledi: A Baby Elephant’s Tale
Beverley Naidoo
A moving story that blends wildlife conservation with themes of empathy and connection across species and cultures.
The Singing Stone
Niki Daly
A magical adventure rooted in African folklore, celebrating storytelling and imagination.
The Girl Without a Sound
Buhle Ngaba
A poetic, empowering story about a girl who finds her voice. Written to inspire young Black girls, it’s a powerful tool for affirming identity and agency.
Chocolate me
Taye Diggs
This is a vibrant picture book for children aged 4 to 8 that gently explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and racial difference. The story follows a young Black boy who feels different from his peers—his skin is darker, his hair curlier, and his name less “normal.” After being teased, he confides in his mother, who lovingly helps him see his beauty and worth. Through rhythmic text and expressive illustrations, the book affirms that every child is “sweet and lovely and delicious on the inside”. It’s a powerful read-aloud that opens up conversations about race, belonging, and the importance of loving oneself.
All Bodies Are Good Bodies
Charlotte Barkla, illustrated by Erica Salcedo
This is a joyful and inclusive picture book perfect for children aged 3 to 8 years. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, it celebrates the beauty and diversity of all bodies—big, small, tall, short, with scars, birthmarks, mobility aids, and more. The book encourages self-love and body acceptance, helping children understand that every body is unique, capable, and worthy of respect. It’s a wonderful resource for families and educators aiming to foster confidence, empathy, and inclusivity from an early age.
Who We Are! All About Being the Same and Being Different
Robie H. Harris
This cheerful picture book is suitable for children 2-5 years old and follows Nellie, Gus, baby Jake, and their parents on a day at Funland, where they meet people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Through playful dialogue and inclusive illustrations, it helps preschoolers understand that while we may look different, we share many similarities—and everyone deserves kindness and respect.
Who Are We? (Living in Harmony Series)
Anneke Forzani
A bilingual book is suitable for ages 3-5 years and celebrates diversity and inclusion, encouraging children to appreciate the many cultures, languages, and identities in their communities. It’s part of a series designed to promote empathy and understanding, with free lesson plans and ASL resources available for educators.
We Are One
Refiloe Moahloli, illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
This is a lyrical and uplifting picture book ideal for children aged 3 to 9 years. Rooted in the South African philosophy of ubuntu—“I am because we are”—the book celebrates both our differences and our shared humanity. With vibrant illustrations and poetic text, it gently affirms that while we may look, sound, and live differently, we are deeply connected. It’s available in multiple South African languages, making it a powerful resource for classrooms, families, and community spaces that value inclusion and empathy.
Princess Hair
Sharee Miller
This is a joyful, self-affirming picture book for children aged 3 to 7, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black hair. From dreadlocks to braids, Afros to head wraps, this vibrant book showcases all the ways Black girls wear their hair—and proudly declares that every style is “princess hair.” With playful rhymes and bold illustrations, it encourages confidence, pride, and self-love, reminding readers that being a princess isn’t about looking one way—it’s about embracing who you are. It’s a brilliant resource for sparking conversations about identity, representation, and beauty in early childhood.
I Am Every Good Thing
Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
This is a radiant, empowering picture book for children aged 4 to 10. Told in the voice of a confident young Black boy, this poetic celebration affirms his brilliance, creativity, resilience, and worth. He declares: “I am a roaring flame of creativity. I am a lightning round of questions…” Through vibrant illustrations and lyrical text, the book counters stereotypes and uplifts Black boyhood, reminding readers that every child deserves to be seen, respected, and loved. It’s a powerful resource for building self-esteem and sparking conversations about identity, race, and belonging.
Yes Yanga! From 3 Tins to Cricket Champion
Refiloe Moahloli
This is an inspiring picture book for children aged 3 to 9, rooted in South African culture and sporting spirit. Yanga is the undefeated “3 Tins” champion in his community—a street game that hones his lightning reflexes and precision. When his raw talent is spotted and nurtured, he transitions from backyard play to professional cricket, eventually representing South Africa on the global stage. With energetic illustrations by Mogau Kekana and a storyline that celebrates local games, perseverance, and pride, this book is a brilliant tool for encouraging children to dream big—especially those who don’t often see themselves reflected in mainstream sports stories.
I Am Perfectly Designed
Karamo Brown and Jason “Rachel” Brown, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
This is a joyful and empowering picture book for children aged 4 to 8 years. Told through a loving conversation between a father and son as they walk through the city, the book celebrates self-acceptance, family bonds, and the idea that we are all “perfectly designed” just as we are. With vibrant illustrations and affirming language, it gently explores themes of identity, love, and inclusion—making it a beautiful read for modern families, especially those navigating diverse or nontraditional paths.
Pumpkin Finds Her Queen
Bianca Flanders
This is a tender, empowering picture book for children aged 4 to 8, especially resonant for young girls navigating self-image and identity. Pumpkin Pie has a secret—she doesn’t like her hair. Her wild, curly locks feel unmanageable and different from her friends’ straight styles. But through a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, she learns that her curls are not just beautiful—they’re part of what makes her unique and powerful. With lyrical rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the book celebrates natural hair, self-love, and the joy of embracing one’s individuality. It’s a wonderful resource for sparking conversations about beauty standards, representation, and confidence.
Wanda
Sihle Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali
This is a powerful, heartwarming picture book for children aged 4 to 8, rooted in South African experiences of identity, pride, and resilience. Wanda is a little girl with a big, beautiful head of natural hair. But at school, she’s teased by classmates and pressured by teachers to tame her curls. Feeling ashamed, she rushes to hide her hair—until her grandmother, Makhulu, shares stories of proud African women like Diana Ross and Shado Twala. Through these affirming tales and a few styling tricks, Wanda begins to see her hair as a crown, not a burden. This story gently tackles themes of self-image, cultural pride, and the lingering effects of systemic bias in schools. It’s a brilliant resource for sparking conversations about beauty, belonging, and intergenerational wisdom.
Oona
Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
This is a whimsical picture book for children aged 4 to 8, celebrating creativity, courage, and curiosity beneath the sea. Oona is a bold, inventive mermaid with a wild imagination and a knack for treasure hunting. Alongside her sea otter sidekick Otto, she dreams up clever contraptions to retrieve a mysterious treasure—but not every plan goes smoothly. Through setbacks and determination, Oona learns that the real treasure might be something deeper: her own resilience and joy in discovery. It’s a vibrant, empowering story that affirms the value of persistence and self-expression.
Oona and the Shark
Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Book 2 in the series continues Oona’s adventures, this time exploring friendship and emotional intelligence. Oona’s inventions are loud, bold, and full of flair—just like her! But Stanley the shark doesn’t seem impressed. He’s quiet, reserved, and easily overwhelmed. When her usual charm doesn’t work, Oona learns to slow down, observe, and meet Stanley where he is. It’s a gentle, funny story about respecting differences and finding connection across personalities. This sequel is perfect for sparking conversations about introversion, empathy, and the many ways to be a good friend.
Jabari Jumps
Gaia Cornwall
A motivational picture book perfect for children aged 4 to 8 years, this book follows Jabari, a young boy who’s just finished his swimming lessons and is ready to tackle the diving board—almost. As he watches other kids jump, Jabari insists he’s not scared, but his hesitation tells another story. With gentle encouragement from his dad, Jabari learns that being brave doesn’t mean not feeling fear—it means facing it. The book beautifully captures a child’s emotional journey toward courage and confidence, with expressive illustrations and a warm father-son dynamic that makes it especially resonant for families and educators.
I Love My Hair!
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
This is a tender, empowering picture book for children aged 4 to 8, celebrating Black identity, heritage, and the bond between mother and daughter. Each night, Keyana sits between her mother’s knees as her hair is lovingly combed, braided, and styled. Though it sometimes hurts, her mother reminds her that her hair is a source of pride and possibility—able to be spun into buns, planted into rows of braids, or worn in joyful ponytails. Through poetic language and rich watercolor illustrations, the book affirms that Black hair is beautiful, versatile, and deeply connected to cultural legacy. It’s a classic in affirming self-worth and fostering pride in one’s roots.
Wonderfully Made
Tshwanelo Serumola
This is a vibrant, affirming picture book for children aged 3 to 7, especially designed to uplift and empower brown girls of all shades, shapes, and sizes. Through rhythmic, easy-to-follow text and joyful illustrations, the book celebrates the brilliance, bravery, and boundless potential of brown girls. It encourages them to dream big, embrace their uniqueness, and follow in the footsteps of inspiring women who came before them. Lines like: “Brown girls are risk takers, move makers and planet shakers…” set the tone for a story that builds confidence, resilience, and pride in identity. The illustrations reflect proudly South African children, making it a culturally resonant resource for families and educators alike.
All about Families
Felicity Brooks, illustrated by Mar Ferrero
This is a vibrant board book for children aged 3 and up. With delightful illustrations and simple, friendly text, it celebrates the many shapes families can take—showing that love and belonging aren’t defined by one “right” family model. It includes single-parent families, adoptive and foster families, divorced, remarried, and blended families, mixed-race and multigenerational families, and many more, each portrait affirming that every family is unique and connected by love.
Standing up to Racism
Dr. Pragya Agarwal, illustrated by Louise Forshaw
This is an interactive lift-the-flap board book designed to help young children and their families understand and challenge racism in everyday life. It uses simple, age-appropriate language to explain what racism is, why it’s harmful, and how we can all stand together against it. With engaging flaps and vibrant illustrations, the book encourages empathy, celebrates diversity, and offers practical ways for children to recognize unfairness and speak up. It’s a gentle but powerful tool for starting antiracist conversations early.
I have Brown Skin and Curly Hair
Karen Theunissen
This is a beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book that explores identity, diversity, and belonging. It follows a child who looks different from her family—curly hair, brown skin—and learns to embrace her heritage with pride. The story gently introduces children to South Africa’s complex history and mixed-race identities, helping them understand that families can be beautifully diverse. This book is pitched at young children, typically ages 4 to 8, making it ideal for early readers, classroom read-alouds, or bedtime conversations about identity and inclusion. It’s also a powerful resource for educators and parents who want to foster empathy and celebrate difference.
Sharing stories with your children is a beautiful way to spend time together. When these stories represent the rich diversity of South Africa, we are showing our children that people and families come in all shapes and sized. Seeing themselves represented in accesible media normalises their experiences, and gives voice to sometimes unspoken challenges.
It also gives our children permission to see themselves as the main character, the hero in their own stories, dream big and know that there are no limits to their ambitions.
If you need some support in creating the right environment for your child to thrive, reach out to Cape Town Adoption Support for information on the services on offer.
ctas@newlandstherapycente.co.za
You are also welcome to sign up for the CTAS monthly newsletter where we share adoption-related resources and support.
