We wanted to share with you some new African picture books published or forthcoming in 2025. These stories will brighten storytime with a bit of family, cultural heritage, and those small moments that make childhood feel magical.

Àlàbá Ònájìn’s Oh No, Ojó! follows a little boy whose love of drawing spills over into every corner of the house, to hilarious and heartwarming results. Bernard Mensah’s Kente for Jojo, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, introduces young readers to the beauty and symbolism of Ghana’s kente cloth through a tender sibling story. Ramadan on Rahma Road by Razeena Omar Gutta invites children into a lively neighborhood iftar where every family shares food and traditions, complete with kid‑friendly recipes. In Adiba Nelson’s Oshún and Me, a mother braids her daughter’s hair while sharing the story of the Yoruba goddess Oshún, weaving love and heritage into every strand. And in Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name, Luvvie Ajayi Jones reminds young readers that standing up for yourself can lead to connection, confidence, and joy.

These picture books are full of warmth. Read them aloud. Gift them. Add them to your classroom or family library. They will bring imagination and laughter to the little story-lovers in your life!