Books About American Folklore

The Best American Folklore Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about american folklore? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

John Henry
John Henry
American Tall Tales
The Tale of Paul Bunyan
The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About American Folklore

John Henry
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

John Henry

By Julius Lester, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

A legendary figure challenges the power of machines with sheer strength and unyielding spirit.

40 pages· 2,231 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,062 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Born with extraordinary strength, John Henry grows into a force of nature, wielding sledgehammers to carve through mountains. As he faces the ultimate test against a steam drill, his indomitable spirit and courage become legendary. Can human willpower triumph over the relentless march of technology? This vibrant retelling of an African-American folk ballad captures the essence of heroism and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Paul Bunyan
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1984

Paul Bunyan

By Steven Kellogg

Discover the legendary feats of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox in this hilarious tall tale.

44 pages· 944 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,016 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Meet Paul Bunyan, the legendary giant lumberjack, and his trusty blue ox as they carve out the Great Lakes and the Grand Canyon. This uproarious retelling brings to life their larger-than-life adventures with vibrant illustrations and humor. Will Paul’s incredible feats continue to shape the land, or will his legendary status be challenged? Dive into this classic folktale and find out!
John Henry
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1965

John Henry

By Ezra Jack Keats

A legendary man challenges a steam drill to prove human strength against machine power.

32 pages· 1,207 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 525 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: John Henry, born with a hammer in hand, faces his greatest challenge: a race against a steam drill to tunnel through a mountain. As the railroad expands, can his legendary strength and determination outpace the relentless machine? This vibrant retelling of an African American folk ballad captures the essence of human spirit and resilience. Will John Henry's might and heart triumph over technology, or will the age of machines prevail? Discover the epic showdown that tests the limits of human endurance and the power of belief.
American Tall Tales
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 6–11 · 1991

American Tall Tales

By Mary Pope Osborne, Michael McCurdy (Illustrator)

Discover legendary American folk heroes in tales of epic feats and humor.

115 pages· 19,251 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 919 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Meet larger-than-life characters like Paul Bunyan and John Henry in a collection of American tall tales. These stories brim with humor and exaggeration, capturing the spirit of folk heroes who shaped a nation. From a giant lumberjack to a mighty hammer-wielding man, each tale offers a glimpse into the wild adventures and legendary feats of these iconic figures. As you journey through these stories, you'll wonder: How did these heroes become legends? What truths lie beneath their exaggerated exploits? Dive into a world where the impossible becomes possible and history meets myth.
Johnny Appleseed
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2001

Johnny Appleseed

By David L. Harrison, Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)

Discover the myths and truths of a legendary apple planter's journey.

48 pages· 876 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Join Johnny Appleseed as he captivates young listeners with tales of his adventures planting apple orchards across the frontier. Through his folksy storytelling, uncover the blend of myth and reality that shaped his legendary life. What truths lie behind the stories, and how did his journey begin? Dive into a world where history and folklore intertwine, revealing the heart of a true American legend.
Paul Bunyan and the Big Blue Ox
Sale price
$1100
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2013

Paul Bunyan and the Big Blue Ox

American Legends and Folktales series

Discover the legendary feats of a giant lumberjack and his blue ox.

32 pages· 1,298 words· Est. 11 min read
$11.58Save 5%
Summary: Meet Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack whose legendary feats with his Big Blue Ox have captivated generations. Explore the origins of this iconic folktale, enriched with original artwork and diverse cultural perspectives. What extraordinary adventures await in the forests of North America?
The Tale of Paul Bunyan
Sale price
$574
Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 2020

The Tale of Paul Bunyan

By Lori Haskins Houran, Luke Flowers (Illustrator) · A Little Golden Book series

Discover the legendary feats of a giant lumberjack and his colossal ox.

24 pages· 998 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 48 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Meet Paul Bunyan, the towering lumberjack whose sneeze could send ducks flying south and whose footprints became lakes. With his enormous blue ox, Babe, Paul embarks on adventures that defy belief. Dive into this whimsical tale and explore the extraordinary world of tall tales, where the impossible becomes reality. What other marvels await in the life of this legendary figure?
What Is the Story of the Headless Horseman?
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2023

What Is the Story of the Headless Horseman?

By Sheila Keenan, Who HQ, Andrew Thomson (Illustrator) · What Is the Story of . . . ? series

A schoolteacher must confront a headless horseman in a small town in New York.

113 pages· 7,984 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 235 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Explore the eerie legend of the Headless Horseman, a ghostly figure haunting Sleepy Hollow. Decapitated during the American Revolution, this spectral rider seeks vengeance, captivating audiences for generations. Discover his haunting adventures and historical roots in this thrilling nonfiction journey. Will his story ever find peace, or will the Horseman forever ride in search of his lost head?
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