At Woke Babies, we are passionate about ensuring that Black children see themselves reflected in the books they read. Our exciting collaboration with DK, a global leader in publishing, marks a huge milestone in the world of diverse children’s literature. Together, we’ve created a collection of engaging, empowering, and beautifully illustrated books that celebrate representation in storytelling.
This collection features a range of books for all ages, from board books introducing little ones to the wonders of sound and sight, to picture books that explore mindfulness, nature, and adventure. These stories are brought to life by an incredible team of Black authors and illustrators (and creators of colour), ensuring that children from all backgrounds can see themselves in joyful, meaningful, and everyday experiences.
We are proud to be changing the face of children's publishing with this collaboration. Whether you're looking for a fun bedtime read, an inspiring school resource, or an early learning book for your little one, our Woke Babies x DK collection has something for you.
Explore the books below and bring home stories that celebrate diversity, imagination, and empowerment!
The Magic Balloon: World Book Day 2025
The Pond in the Park: Where Frogs and Friendships Grow
Femi and The Mindfulness Machine (Woke Babies Books)
Meet the Talented Authors & Illustrators Behind the Woke Babies x DK Collection
The Woke Babies x DK collection is a landmark collaboration, bringing together an incredible team of Black authors, illustrators, and creators of colour to produce engaging, inclusive, and empowering children's books. These talented storytellers and artists are dedicated to ensuring that young readers see themselves reflected in the books they love.
Each title in this collection celebrates diverse voices and representation, reinforcing Woke Babies’ mission to provide high-quality children’s books that champion Black stories and inclusive narratives. Let’s introduce the brilliant minds behind these books.
The Woke Babies x DK collection wouldn’t be possible without the talented Black authors and illustrators (and creators of colour) who brought these stories to life. Each one has a passion for storytelling and a dedication to ensuring that diverse voices are heard in children’s books.
Let’s meet the brilliant minds behind the collection:
The Magic Balloon: World Book Day 2025
Written by Carl Anka and illustrated by Amanda Quartey, The Magic Balloon is the official World Book Day 2025 book, making it a milestone in diverse children's publishing.
Carl Anka, an award-winning journalist and author, brings this magical adventure to life, creating an exciting and imaginative story that celebrates curiosity and discovery. His writing ensures that young Black readers can see themselves as the heroes of thrilling tales.
Illustrator Amanda Quartey, born in London with Ghanaian heritage, brings warmth and vibrancy to the book with her beautifully detailed artwork. Her illustrations capture the wonder of a young Black protagonist’s adventure, making this book both visually stunning and culturally significant.
This collaboration highlights the importance of representation in mainstream publishing, ensuring that Black children see themselves reflected in one of the biggest literary events of the year.
Femi and The Mindfulness Machine (Woke Babies Books)
Written by Flo Fielding, Femi and the Mindfulness Machine introduces young readers to mindfulness and emotional wellbeing in an accessible and engaging way.
Flo Fielding, a dual-heritage (Barbadian/English) author, is passionate about stories that reflect diverse experiences. She writes with a focus on identity, family, and emotional intelligence, ensuring children can see themselves and their emotions represented in books.
Illustrator Sawyer Cloud, a Madagascar-based artist, brings Femi’s world to life with her warm, expressive, and joyful illustrations. Known for her work featuring Black characters and cultural diversity, Cloud’s art perfectly complements the book’s themes of mindfulness and self-awareness.
Together, Fielding and Cloud create a book that not only teaches children about mental wellbeing but also celebrates diverse characters in an uplifting and engaging way.
$19.99
$19.99
The Smart Senses board book series introduces babies and toddlers to the wonders of their senses through fun, interactive storytelling.
Illustrated by Jayri Gómez, a Dominican artist passionate about diversity in children’s literature, these books are designed to help young children explore their world through sight and sound.
- Big Noise, Little Noise explores how children experience sound, from the softest whispers to the loudest booms.
- Seeing Big, Seeing Small helps little ones understand perspective and how they view objects differently based on their size and distance.
Jayri Gómez’s illustrations are bright, engaging, and inclusive, ensuring that even the youngest readers see characters of diverse backgrounds in their first books.
This series is a brilliant introduction to early learning, making it a must-have for families looking to provide their children with culturally diverse books from the very start.
Why This Collaboration is So Important
The Woke Babies x DK collection is more than just a set of books—it is a groundbreaking moment for diverse children’s literature. Each author and illustrator involved brings a unique cultural perspective, ensuring that young readers from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and inspired.
This collaboration proves the power of representation, reinforcing the idea that Black children and children of colour belong in every kind of story—from adventures and bedtime stories to educational and wellbeing books.
📚 Explore the full collection today and bring home stories that celebrate diversity, joy, and imagination!