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Books by Ashley Bryan | Wonderlit

Books by Ashley Bryan

23 books · Ages 3–17

Ashley Bryan writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 3–17, exploring themes of celebrating heritage, african american heritage, art & creativity.

Standalone Books

Cover of The Adventures of Aku

The Adventures of Aku

Okra the cat and Okraman the dog embark on a high-stakes mission to reclaim a magic ring from the trickster Spider Anans

Cover of The Dancing Granny

The Dancing Granny

Spider Ananse thinks he can outsmart Granny by getting her to dance so he can raid her garden, but her unstoppable rhyth

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

Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

Ashley Bryan

Four traditional tales from the Masai, Angolan, Hausa, and Bushmen people bring the folk traditions of Africa to life.

Ages 8–12

Cover of The Story of Lightning and Thunder

The Story of Lightning and Thunder

Ma Sheep Thunder and her unruly son Ram Lightning cause so much trouble they are forced to leave Earth in this West Afri

Cover of ABC of African American Poetry

ABC of African American Poetry

Vibrant paintings illuminate fragments of twenty-five poems and a spiritual, celebrating the soul and rhythm of African

Cover of The Night Has Ears African Proverbs

The Night Has Ears African Proverbs

Ancestral wisdom meets playful wit in this vibrant collection of twenty-six traditional proverbs gathered from various A

Cover of Beautiful Blackbird

Beautiful Blackbird

The colorful birds of Africa seek out the beautiful Blackbird, hoping he will share a touch of his special brew to decor

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

For families looking to connect through music and art, this stunning collection of spirituals offers a soulful way to ex

Cover of The Beast of Noor

The Beast of Noor

Fifteen-year-old Miles must use a rare gift to confront the Shriker, a deadly creature tied to a dark curse brought to t

Cover of Who Built the Stable?

Who Built the Stable?

For children curious about how they can help others: this lyrical reimagining of the Nativity focuses on a young boy's c

Cover of Can't Scare Me!

Can't Scare Me!

A little boy thinks he is far too brave to listen to his grandma's warnings until he comes face-to-face with a massive,

Cover of Infinite Hope: A Black Artist's Journey from World War II to Peace

Infinite Hope: A Black Artist's Journey from World War II to Peace

For the child grappling with the reality of systemic unfairness, this memoir shows how creativity and hope can flourish

Cover of Ashley Bryan's Puppets

Ashley Bryan's Puppets

For the child who finds magic in making things from nothing, this book celebrates the beauty of hand-crafted art and the

Cover of Beat the Story Drum, Pum-Pum

Beat the Story Drum, Pum-Pum

For the child curious about why things are the way they are, these rhythmic Nigerian folktales offer timeless wisdom on

Cover of Night Has Ears

Vibrant illustrations illuminate twenty-six wise and witty proverbs gathered from various African tribes, offering a col

Cover of I'm Going to Sing: Black American Spirituals

I'm Going to Sing: Black American Spirituals

Explore the profound history and soulful melodies of Black American spirituals through vibrant art and music, perfect fo

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

For the family seeking peace at bedtime or a deeper connection to cultural history through the soulful, rhythmic power o

Cover of Sail Away

Langston Hughes, Ashley Bryan

For the child who finds magic in the movement of water and sand: experience the rhythm of the ocean through timeless poe

Cover of Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan

For the child grappling with the heavy reality of history, this book restores dignity and dreams to those once viewed on

Cover of Freedom Over Me

Freedom Over Me

For children learning about the history of slavery, this book restores humanity and dreams to individuals once viewed on

Cover of Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum

Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum

Rhythmic Nigerian folktales and bold woodcut art explain why frogs and snakes don't play together and how the animals fi

Cover of Ashley Bryan: Words to My Life's Song

Ashley Bryan: Words to My Life's Song

For the young artist facing obstacles, this memoir shows how passion and perseverance can turn life's experiences into a

Cover of Infinite Hope

Ashley Bryan shares personal letters and memories from his time as a segregated soldier during World War II and the D-Da

By Age Range

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

The Adventures of Aku

The Dancing Granny

The Story of Lightning and Thunder

The Adventures of Aku

The Dancing Granny

Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

Lion and the Ostrich Chicks: And Other African Folk Poems

The Beast of Noor

Infinite Hope: A Black Artist's Journey from World War II to Peace

Common Themes

Celebrating Heritage African American Heritage Art & Creativity Music Writing & Storytelling Joy & Gratitude History Fairy Tales & Mythology

If Your Family Loves Ashley Bryan, Also Try

Gammysaurus and Me

Little Hedgehog Books

Gammysaurus and Me

Spot's First Easter

Spot's First Easter

Little Miss Twins

Roger Hargreaves

Little Miss Twins

Berlin

Marilyn Trueluck

Bang and Shout!

Bang and Shout!