Books by Ashley Bryan — Wonderlit | Wonderlit

Ashley Bryan writes picture books and middle grade for ages 3–13, exploring themes of curiosity & wonder, self-confidence & identity, resilience & perseverance.

Standalone Books (Ages 4–7)

Cover of The Adventures of Aku

The Adventures of Aku

For children learning about friendship and inner strength, this lively tale shows how two unlikely heroes prove their wo

Cover of The Dancing Granny

The Dancing Granny

For families who enjoy a good chuckle and tales where clever plans sometimes comically backfire.

Cover of Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

For families seeking to explore the rich tapestry of African oral traditions, this collection of folk poems offers timel

Cover of The Story of Lightning and Thunder

The Story of Lightning and Thunder

This vibrant West African folktale retells the story of Ma Sheep Thunder and her impetuous son, Ram Lightning. When Ram'

Cover of ABC of African American Poetry

ABC of African American Poetry

Discover the beauty of African American poetry with Ashley Bryan's unique ABC collection. Featuring excerpts from renown

Cover of The Night Has Ears African Proverbs

The Night Has Ears African Proverbs

For children exploring the complexities of human nature, this book offers timeless wisdom and a touch of humor through a

Cover of Beautiful Blackbird

Beautiful Blackbird

For the child who struggles to see their own specialness, this vibrant folktale reminds us that true beauty shines from

Cover of All Night, All Day: A Child's First Book of African-American Spirituals

All Night, All Day: A Child's First Book of African-American Spirituals

This award-winning book presents twenty beloved African-American spirituals, including "This Little Light of Mine," with

Cover of Who Built the Stable?

Who Built the Stable?

In gentle rhyme, a shepherd boy helps his carpenter father build a stable, then extends kindness to weary travelers, set

Cover of Can't Scare Me!

Can't Scare Me!

For a child learning to face their fears, this vibrant tale shows a brave boy encountering silly, not-so-scary monsters

By Age Range

Beautiful Blackbird

The Adventures of Aku

The Dancing Granny

Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

The Adventures of Aku

The Dancing Granny

Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

The Night Has Ears African Proverbs

Our Story Begins Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

Common Themes

Curiosity & Wonder Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Fairy Tales & Mythology Empathy & Kindness Joy & Gratitude Growing Up Animals

If Your Family Loves Ashley Bryan, Also Try

Half a Pig

Worm Is Stuck

Hansel and Gretel

Ruth Belov Gross

Hansel and Gretel

Ella

Egg & Spoon

Gregory Maguire