From beloved classics to fresh new releases, these stories written by Black authors deserve to go under the Christmas tree.

Read all of Slate’s stories about the 25 Greatest Picture Books of the Past 25 Years. On Oct. 8, 2010, the New York Times ran a story on its front page: “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children.

One of the perks of parenthood, it is often said, is to relive the joys of one’s youth, to share with your child everything you once loved—especially books. Before I was a parent, I was skeptical of ...