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Jerry Pinkney
Author Profile

Jerry Pinkney

16 Books
Jerry Pinkney was an acclaimed American illustrator and children's book creator known for his masterful, intricate watercolor artwork. Over his prolific career, he breathed new life into classic folktales, fables, and African American historical narratives. His stunning visual storytelling earned him numerous accolades, including the Caldecott Medal for his virtually wordless adaptation of 'The Lion and the Mouse.'

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Jerry Pinkney

Animals Nature
- /5

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Jerry Pinkney

Animals Classics
- /5

Noah's Ark

Jerry Pinkney

Animals Classics
- /5

The Grasshopper & the Ants

Jerry Pinkney

Animals Folktales
- /5

Little Red Riding Hood

Jerry Pinkney

Adventure Animals
- /5

The Tortoise & the Hare

Jerry Pinkney

Animals Classics
- /5

Puss in Boots

Jerry Pinkney

Cats Classics
- /5

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation

Barry Wittenstein, Jerry Pinkney

Biography Diverse Voices
- /5

The Old African

Julius Lester, Jerry Pinkney

Diverse Voices Fiction
- /5

Goin' Someplace Special

Patricia C. McKissack, Jerry Pinkney

Courage Diverse Voices
- /5
Logan Family

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Mildred D. Taylor, Jerry Pinkney

Award Winners Diverse Voices
- /5

John Henry

Julius Lester, Jerry Pinkney

Biography Diverse Voices
- /5

The Lion & the Mouse

Jerry Pinkney, Aesop

Animals Award Winners
- /5

The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South

Jerry Pinkney, Robert D. San Souci

Diverse Voices Fairy Tales
- /5

Aesop's Fables

Jerry Pinkney, Jesus Jimenez Reinaldo, Albert Torrescasana Flotats, Aesop

Animals Classics
- /5

The Little Match Girl

Hans Christian Andersen, Jerry Pinkney, Hilary Robinson, Rachel Isadora, Shelagh McNicholas

Classics Empathy
- /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney
As the sun sets and the forest grows quiet, a curious little chipmunk peeks out of his nest to watch the twilight sky. High above the towering trees, a single, glittering star catches his eye, sparkling like a diamond in the dark. Inspired by the beloved classic lullaby, this gentle nighttime journey follows the tiny creature as he marvels at the wonders of the natural world, from shimmering spider webs to glowing fireflies. It is a peaceful, dreamlike exploration of the evening forest, perfect for bringing a sense of calm and wonder to the end of a busy day.
Animals Nature Poetry Bedtime Stories Picture Books
6-8 Years
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney
Across the river lies a field of sweet, green grass, but getting there is no easy task. Three hungry goat brothers must cross an old wooden bridge, and lurking just beneath the planks is a terrible, hungry troll who does not like to share. To reach their magnificent feast, each billy goat must use his wits and courage to face down the fearsome bully blocking their path. This vibrant retelling of a classic folktale brings the grassy cliffs and the roaring river to life, showing that greed never pays off and that sometimes, even the meanest trolls can learn a valuable lesson.
Animals Classics Folktales Problem Solving Picture Books
6-8 Years 40 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney
The skies darken, the rains begin to fall, and an extraordinary journey is about to set sail. Called to protect life on Earth from a massive, world-changing flood, Noah and his family must build a colossal wooden ark. Soon, animals of every shape and size arrive two by two, from lumbering elephants to tiny, fluttering birds, seeking safety from the rising waters. This stunningly illustrated tale brings a monumental biblical story to life, capturing the roaring storms, the bustling energy of the crowded ark, and the beautiful, hopeful promise of a rainbow stretching across a newly washed sky.
Animals Classics Religion Picture Books
6-8 Years 42 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney
The sun is shining, the days are long, and a joyful grasshopper is making the most of a beautiful summer. He plays his music, dances in the leaves, and enjoys the warm breeze. But right below his feet, a colony of hardworking ants is busy preparing for the future, gathering food and ignoring his invitations to play. When the crisp autumn air suddenly turns to biting winter snow, the grasshopper's carefree tune comes to a freezing halt. This lively and beautifully detailed retelling of a classic fable offers a gentle, engaging look at the importance of planning ahead, hard work, and the unexpected kindness of neighbors.
Animals Folktales Problem Solving Aesop's Fables Picture Books
6-8 Years 40 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney
A simple trip through the woods to visit Grandmother quickly turns into a thrilling game of hide-and-seek. Wearing her famous bright red cloak, a sweet young girl steps into the forest, unaware that a sly and hungry wolf is watching her every move. This stunning version of the classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale captures all the cozy warmth of Grandmother's house alongside the captivating danger of the clever wolf. You will find yourself drawn right into the heart of the story, waiting eagerly for the moment Little Red discovers exactly why her grandmother has such very great teeth.
Adventure Animals Classics Fairy Tales Picture Books
6-8 Years 40 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney
The starting line is drawn in the dusty desert sand, and the most famous race in history is about to begin. On one side stands the quick, confident, and boastful hare, certain of his victory. On the other stands the slow, steady, and determined tortoise, ready to prove everyone wrong. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the American Southwest, this nearly wordless adventure lets the vibrant artwork tell the story. You will follow the dusty trails and rocky landscapes as the foolish hare takes a nap, realizing too late that moving fast is not always the best way to cross the finish line.
Animals Classics Folktales Aesop's Fables Picture Books
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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By: Jerry Pinkney
Meet the most clever and stylish cat you will ever encounter. When a poor young man inherits nothing but a simple feline, he thinks his luck has run out. But this is no ordinary pet. Armed with a pair of fine boots and a quick wit, Puss sets out on a daring mission to change his master's destiny forever. Through trickery, bravery, and a lot of charm, this fearless feline outsmarts a king and wins a fortune. This beautifully illustrated rendition of a beloved story proves that with a little imagination and the right footwear, even the smallest hero can achieve magnificent things.
Cats Classics Fairy Tales Magic Picture Books
6-8 Years 44 Pages
N/A /5
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Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation

By: Barry Wittenstein , Jerry Pinkney
Everyone knows the powerful words of the I Have a Dream speech, but very few know the tense, dramatic story of how it was actually written. The night before the historic 1963 March on Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sat in a hotel room, surrounded by trusted advisors, struggling to find the perfect way to end his address. He knew exactly what he wanted to say about civil rights and equality, but he needed a strong conclusion, a place to land. This gripping, beautifully illustrated history takes you behind the scenes of a monumental moment, revealing how a legendary leader found his voice, threw away his script, and delivered a message that changed the world forever.
Biography Diverse Voices History Non-Fiction
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 50 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Julius Lester , Jerry Pinkney
Deep within the harsh reality of a southern plantation, an elderly enslaved man holds a quiet, extraordinary power. Through the strength of his mind, he can ease the agonizing pain of his fellow captives, offering them moments of peace in an unforgiving world. But his ultimate vision goes far beyond comfort. He is planning an impossible journey. Based on actual events from Black history, this powerful middle grade novel weaves historical truths with elements of magic and deep resilience. You will follow a gripping, unforgettable flight toward freedom as the Old African uses his profound gifts to guide his people back to their homeland. It is a story of courage, dignity, and the unbreakable human spirit.
Diverse Voices Fiction History
9-12 Years 79 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Patricia C. McKissack , Jerry Pinkney
In a 1950s southern town filled with restrictive signs and unfair rules, young Tricia Ann knows of one magnificent place where everyone is welcome. Bursting with independence, she begs to take the bus downtown all by herself to reach her favorite spot. The journey is not easy. Along the way, she is forced to sit in the back of the bus and faces painful reminders of segregation at every turn. But guided by her grandmother's empowering words and the kindness of friends she meets along the way, Tricia Ann walks with her head held high. This deeply moving story celebrates dignity, courage, and the joyous freedom found inside a public library.
Courage Diverse Voices History Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 40 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Mildred D. Taylor , Jerry Pinkney
In the heart of Mississippi during the Great Depression, the Logan family holds tightly to the one thing that truly belongs to them: their land. Young Cassie Logan is fierce, independent, and fiercely proud of her family's independence. But over the course of one turbulent and unforgettable year, Cassie's eyes are opened to the harsh realities of the world around her. As racial tensions rise and social injustices threaten to tear her community apart, Cassie must learn what it takes to survive with dignity. This powerful, landmark novel explores the deep bonds of family, the vital importance of self-respect, and the courage required to stand tall in the face of profound adversity.
Award Winners Diverse Voices Family History
9-12 Years 284 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Julius Lester , Jerry Pinkney
From the very moment he was born, it was clear John Henry was no ordinary child. He grew so fast he burst right through the porch roof, and his booming laugh was loud enough to startle the sun. Armed with two massive sledgehammers, this legendary hero sets out to build roads and smash mountains into dust. When a mechanical steam drill threatens to take over the work of human hands, John Henry steps up for the ultimate test of strength. This epic, larger-than-life tall tale pulses with rhythm, humor, and towering courage, celebrating the unbreakable spirit of an American folk hero who proved that the human heart is stronger than any machine.
Biography Diverse Voices Folktales History Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 41 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney , Aesop
High in the sprawling African Serengeti, a tiny, adventurous mouse accidentally disturbs the fierce King of the Jungle. The mighty lion could easily crush the small creature, but in a rare moment of mercy, he lets the mouse go. The lion never expects to see the tiny animal again, let alone need his help. But when the great beast finds himself trapped in a poacher's heavy rope net, it is the sharp teeth and brave heart of the little mouse that come to the rescue. This breathtaking, nearly wordless masterpiece beautifully proves that kindness is never wasted, and that even the smallest friends can be the bravest heroes.
Animals Award Winners Kindness Aesop's Fables Picture Books
6-8 Years 40 Pages
N/A /5
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A Folktale from the American South

By: Jerry Pinkney , Robert D. San Souci
Sweet, hardworking Blanche is treated terribly by her cruel mother and lazy sister, but a chance encounter in the woods is about to change her life. Following the mysterious instructions of a magical old woman, Blanche discovers a wondrous world where two-headed cows dance and plain-looking eggs whisper secrets. By showing kindness and listening carefully, Blanche is rewarded with dazzling riches. But when her greedy sister tries to recreate the journey to steal some treasure for herself, she quickly learns that magic does not reward a selfish heart. This rich, colorful Southern folktale is a captivating story of strange enchantments, good deeds, and just rewards.
Diverse Voices Fairy Tales Folktales Magic Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 33 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Jerry Pinkney , Jesus Jimenez Reinaldo , Albert Torrescasana Flotats , Aesop
Step into a vibrant world where lions, mice, foxes, and crows teach us timeless lessons. This beautifully crafted collection gathers more than sixty classic stories, bursting with life and clever humor. You will meet foolish animals making mistakes and wise creatures outsmarting their rivals, all while learning hidden truths about honesty, greed, and kindness. Every page offers a rich visual journey, making these ancient tales feel entirely new. Whether you are reading on your own or sharing with family, this classic volume invites you to explore the wild side of human nature through the eyes of the animal kingdom.
Animals Classics Folktales Short Stories Aesop's Fables Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 104 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Hans Christian Andersen , Jerry Pinkney , Hilary Robinson , Rachel Isadora , Shelagh McNicholas
On a freezing, snow-covered evening, a poor young girl wanders the quiet streets, desperately trying to sell her matches. Seeking just a tiny bit of warmth, she strikes a single match against the cold brick wall. In that brief, flickering flame, something magical happens. The harsh winter fades away, replaced by beautiful, glowing visions of feasts, sparkling holiday trees, and the loving embrace of her grandmother. This classic, tender story is a beautifully illustrated exploration of hope and imagination, capturing the fleeting moments of light and comfort that illuminate even the darkest of nights.
Classics Empathy Fairy Tales Short Stories Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 26 Pages
N/A /5
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