Author & Illustrator Profile
Ashley Bryan
18 Books
Ashley Bryan was a prolific creator of children's books who dedicated his life to sharing African and African American heritage through art and words. He wrote, retold, and illustrated dozens of books, bringing vibrant folktales, spirituals, and poetry to young readers. His works include Beautiful Blackbird and Freedom Over Me, which utilize his distinctive collage and painting techniques. He often adapted traditional songs and stories, breathing new life into historical narratives. His lasting contributions continue to educate and inspire readers around the world.
Did you know that a long time ago, cats did not purr at all? Back then, Cat and Rat were the very best of friends. Cat possessed a tiny, special drum that made a delightful rumbling sound, but there was a strict rule: only cats were allowed to play the cat drum. Rat, however, was incredibly sneaky and desperately wanted to play the instrument himself. Through a series of clever tricks, Rat manages to play the drum, leading to a wild and funny mix up that ends with Cat accidentally swallowing the drum whole! This charming and highly entertaining West Indian folktale finally explains the real secret behind why cats make that soothing purring sound today.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
One fearless little boy insists he is not afraid of anything. He completely ignores his grandmother's serious warnings about the terrifying giants roaming the night, especially the two headed giant and his three headed brother. Armed only with his mangoes, the bright sunshine, and his trusty flute, the wild boy runs away to prove his bravery. But when the sun goes down and he starts to miss his grandma, he suddenly bumps right into the very monsters he was warned about. He quickly learns that while he might not fear their size, he definitely has a reason to fear their absolutely horrible singing voices.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Step into a vibrant celebration of song and spirit that brings history alive. Three beloved spirituals come to life through a dazzling display of colorful cut paper illustrations. You will find yourself singing along to the powerful and uplifting words of This Little Light of Mine, Oh When the Saints Go Marching In, and He is Got the Whole World in His Hands. Every page bursts with kaleidoscopic shapes and radiant colors that perfectly capture the joy and energy of these classic musical tunes. This visual masterpiece offers a wonderful way to experience the deep history and warm heart of these universally treasured songs, sharing a message of hope and brightness.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
A very long time ago, Thunder and Lightning did not live high up in the sky. They lived right on the earth in a village on the west coast of Africa. Thunder was a wise mother sheep, and Lightning was her mischievous and impetuous young ram. The problem was that young Lightning simply could not stay out of trouble, causing chaos and damage wherever he went in the village. This vibrant retelling of a traditional Nigerian folktale explains exactly how and why this mother and son were eventually banished to the clouds above. Discover the fascinating origins of the stormy weather we see today.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Explore the alphabet in a completely new and inspiring way. Each letter of the alphabet introduces a brilliant line of verse from twenty five different celebrated African American poets, plus one traditional spiritual. As you journey from A to Z, you will encounter powerful imagery and beautiful language that captures the richness of the Black experience. This is not your traditional alphabet book; it is a vibrant gateway into the world of poetry for readers of all ages. Every carefully chosen fragment of verse is paired with spectacular, brightly colored paintings that perfectly capture the essence and emotion of the words. It is an exuberant and joyful celebration of literary voices and artistic vision.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
36 Pages
Granny Anika has a beautiful, luxuriant garden filled with delicious food, but she has one major weakness: she absolutely loves to dance. The clever and tricky Spider Ananse knows exactly how to use this against her. To steal her fresh vegetables, Ananse plays a lively tune that sets Granny Anika dancing and twirling uncontrollably away from her precious crops. Again and again, he tricks her into a dancing frenzy while he raids her garden. But tricksters must always be careful, because sometimes their own clever plans can backfire in the most unexpected ways! This classic folktale is full of infectious rhythm, laugh out loud trickery, and a highly satisfying conclusion.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
Sing to the sun, let it listen and warm your words! This joyful collection of original poetry brilliantly captures the vibrant beauty of the natural world and the many shifting emotions of everyday life. From the rising of the morning sun to the glowing light of a full moon, these rhythmic verses celebrate the simple, profound moments that make up our days. The words dance across the pages alongside splendid, distinguished paintings that weave together flowers, birds, and leaping fish. It is an evocative and deeply felt exploration of human joy and sorrow, offering a palpable message of hope. Whether read aloud or quietly enjoyed, this stunning artistic work will leave you glowing from the inside out.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Upsilimana Tumpalerado has a big problem. His name is simply too long for anyone in his Caribbean village to remember. Despite his friends forgetting it all the time, his loving Granny insists that he must learn and use his full name proudly. Thinking he possesses the longest name in the entire world, the young boy soon discovers a delightful surprise about his own grandmother. This rhythmic and funny exploration of a West Indian folktale celebrates the deep importance of names and heritage. You will find yourself tapping your toes and sounding out the syllables as you discover the magic hidden in a name.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Have you ever heard the saying that as a crab walks, so walk its children? Or that a log may lie in the water for ten years, but it will never become a crocodile? These are just two of the twenty six fascinating African proverbs brought to life in this colorful collection. Growing out of the daily lives and experiences of various African peoples, these wise sayings offer lessons that ring true for people everywhere. Each proverb is credited to a specific tribe, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage. Paired with gloriously evocative illustrations, this book provides a treasure trove of universal wisdom, gentle humor, and timeless advice that will leave you thinking long after the final page is turned.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Long ago in the heart of the forest, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird of all. The other birds in the forest, who were brightly colored in shades of red, yellow, blue, and green, grew deeply envious of his glowing dark feathers. They gathered around and begged Blackbird to paint them with just a touch of his special blackening brew so they could be beautiful too. Even though Blackbird wisely warns them that true beauty always comes from within, the colorful birds persist in their demands. Soon, each bird receives a unique black mark, explaining the dark rings and spots we still see on birds today. This rhythmic adaptation of a Zambian tale is a joyful celebration of inner beauty and appreciating your own unique heritage.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Have you ever wondered who built the stable where baby Jesus was laid to rest? This beautifully crafted poem envisions a thoughtful young boy, training as both a shepherd and a carpenter, who prepares the manger out of pure love and kindness. When Mary and Joseph arrive seeking shelter, the young boy is ready to clear the way for another shepherd and carpenter to be born on Christmas day. Told in gentle, rhythmic rhyme and filled with breathtaking artwork, this moving story captures the true wonder of the season. It is a warm and radiant celebration of the holidays, highlighting the endless compassion of children and the bright hope that arrives with every new baby.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Feel the rhythmic beat of the story drum as it brings five enchanting Nigerian folktales to life. You will laugh out loud at the silly tale of a monkey who sprinkles his everyday speech with musical nonsense words. You will also discover the poignant and thoughtful story of a snake and a frog who just want to be friends, despite their mothers' strict warnings to stay away from each other. From explanations of how animals got their tails to the story of a husband who stubbornly counts his spoonfuls of food, these traditional tales are packed with humor, lessons, and heart. Striking woodcut illustrations perfectly capture the energy and spirit of these timeless African stories.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
88 Pages
Take a walk down the beach of Little Cranberry Island, where washed up sea glass, weathered bones, tangled fishing nets, and empty bottles are waiting to be found. While others might walk right past this beach junk, one brilliant artist sees a world of endless possibilities. With a little glue, some thread, a splash of paint, and a deep love of African folklore, these forgotten objects are transformed into magnificent two foot tall hand puppets. Each puppet bursts with its own unique personality and breathtaking beauty. In this magical collection, the puppets make their literary debut, standing proudly alongside original poems that tell the inspiring story of how they were created from absolutely nothing.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
84 Pages
Discover the incredible power and rich history of traditional Black American spirituals in this deeply moving collection. You will find beautifully illustrated renditions of timeless songs like Walk Together Children, Little David Play on Your Harp, and I Got Shoes. Each page brings the music to life, capturing the deep emotions, struggles, and resilient hope expressed in every single note. The striking visual art perfectly matches the soulful melodies, creating an immersive experience that celebrates an essential part of American musical heritage. It is a wonderful introduction to these historic songs, ensuring that their powerful messages of unity and perseverance continue to be shared and sung for generations to come.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
53 Pages
Experience the wonder of the changing seasons and the simple joys of everyday life in this delightful collection of thirteen poems. From the quiet beauty of gently falling snow to the cozy warmth of snuggling under a soft quilt, you will find yourself transported by words that celebrate the world around you. You will also get to explore fun and relatable topics, like the delicious taste of chocolate and the thrilling chills of watching scary movies. Beautifully woven together by a legendary poet, these verses invite you to look at nature and your own daily adventures in a fresh, imaginative way. It is a perfect read for anyone who loves to dream, observe, and find magic in the ordinary.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Wrap yourself in a warm hug of words with this gorgeous gathering of twelve uplifting poems. There is nothing more important than knowing how deeply you are cared for, and every page in this vibrant collection is designed to celebrate exactly that. As you explore the masterful shapes and bright colors that dance alongside the poetry, you will hear a powerful, comforting drumbeat reminding you of one simple truth: you are loved. This beautiful collaboration between two legendary creators speaks directly to your heart, offering a message of joy, belonging, and connection. It is a tender and inspiring journey that will leave you feeling seen, cherished, and entirely special.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
28 Pages
A Child's First Book of African-American Spirituals
Raise your voice and feel the music with this joyful songbook of twenty traditional African American spirituals. Carefully selected to include the best known and most beloved tunes, this collection features classics like This Little Light of Mine, When the Saints Go Marching In, and He is Got the Whole World in His Hands. Glorious, full color pictures dance across the pages, capturing the true essence and uplifting spirit of the music. To help you play along, the book even includes clear instructions for piano accompaniment and easy to read guitar chords. It is the perfect musical treasury for families, schools, and choirs to share the rich heritage of these timeless songs together.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
Based on work by
Langston Hughes
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Pictures by
Ashley Bryan
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With
Martin Popoff, Мартин Попов, Damyan Damyanov, Jack Beritzhoff, and David Kudler
Dive into a spectacular celebration of the ocean deep, where mermaids swim and the wilderness of waves crashes against the shore. This magnificent collection pairs the unforgettable oceanic poetry of legendary writer Langston Hughes with breathtaking cut paper collage artwork. From the quiet peace of a sea calm to the majestic power of rushing rivers, every page captures the shifting moods and absolute magic of the water. You will feel the wind in your face and the rhythm of the tides as the brilliant words and vibrant visuals pull you into a spectacular nautical journey. It is a stunning tribute to all things oceanic, blending the incredible talents of a master poet and a visionary artist.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
