Books About Folklore · 707 titles considered

The Best Folklore Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Folklore

The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2007

The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables

By Aesop, Don Daily (Illustrator)

Discover timeless fables where animals teach life's essential lessons.

56 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 503 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Enter a world where animals like a clever fox and a determined tortoise reveal life's truths through their adventures. In these classic fables, each creature's tale offers a moral, sparking imagination and reflection. With vibrant illustrations, this collection brings to life stories like "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Goose Who Laid the Golden Eggs," inviting readers to explore the wisdom passed down through generations. What lessons will you uncover in these enchanting tales?
Moon Shadow
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2018

Moon Shadow

By Erin Downing

A girl's shadow comes to life, revealing her true self.

256 pages· 50,081 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 189 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: On her thirteenth birthday, Lucia Frank's shadow escapes during a lunar eclipse, embodying the bold, fearless girl she dreams of being. As her shadow acts out her hidden desires, Lucia faces a choice: return to normal or embrace this magical transformation. Can she reconcile her two selves while navigating friendship and family challenges?
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1981

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

By Alvin Schwartz, Stephen Gammell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Scary Stories series

Dare to explore chilling tales of horror and dark revenge that haunt the night.

128 pages· 8,924 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 74,125 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Enter a world where chilling tales and eerie legends come to life. This anthology of horror stories, accompanied by haunting illustrations, invites you to face dark revenge and supernatural events. Will you dare to uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows? Each story promises to send shivers down your spine and leave you questioning what lurks in the dark. Prepare for a journey into the unknown, where every page holds a new terror. Can you handle the fear?
Call It Courage
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1940

Call It Courage

By Armstrong Sperry

A boy faces the sea to conquer fear and prove his courage.

Newbery Medal (1941)
95 pages· 19,399 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 14,893 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mafatu, son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, fears the sea that claimed his mother. Branded a coward, he sets out alone with his dog and albatross to confront his terror. A fierce storm and a deserted island test his resolve and resourcefulness. Will Mafatu's journey transform him from a fearful boy into a courageous legend? Discover the tale that the people of Hikueru still sing around their fires.
Stone Soup
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Stone Soup

By Jon J Muth

Strangers inspire a wary village to create a feast from stones.

32 pages· 965 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,135 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a war-torn village, three weary travelers propose a curious idea: making soup from stones. Initially skeptical, the villagers, hardened by hardship, slowly contribute their hidden provisions. As the pot simmers, the community discovers the power of unity and generosity. What begins as a simple trick transforms into a heartwarming feast, revealing the abundance they possess when they come together. Will this newfound spirit of cooperation endure beyond the meal? This enchanting tale, set against a backdrop of stunning watercolors, invites readers to ponder the magic of collaboration and the hidden wealth within a community.
The Clown of God
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1978

The Clown of God

By Tomie dePaola

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

48 pages· 1,403 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,491 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Giovanni, once a celebrated juggler, finds himself poor and forgotten. As Christmas Eve approaches, he decides to perform one last time with his colorful balls. Will this act bring about a miracle? Discover the magic and wonder of a legend where hope and talent intertwine, leading to an unexpected Christmas miracle that could change everything for Giovanni.
Cinderella
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 1–12 · 2000

Cinderella

By K.Y. Craft

A mistreated girl finds magic and a chance at love.

32 pages· 1,856 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,562 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Cinderella endures cruelty from her stepmother and stepsisters, dreaming of a better life. With the aid of her fairy godmother, she transforms for a night, capturing the heart of a prince. Will this magical encounter lead to her happily ever after, or will the clock strike midnight on her dreams? Discover a world where enchantment and destiny intertwine in a timeless tale of hope and transformation.
Cinder Edna
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Cinder Edna

By Ellen Jackson, Kevin O'Malley (Illustrator)

Two girls, two paths: who finds true happiness without magic?

32 pages· 1,656 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,250 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Cinder Edna and Cinderella live next door, both under the thumb of wicked stepmothers. While Cinderella dreams of fairy godmothers, Edna relies on her wit and resourcefulness. When the king announces a ball, both girls seize the chance for change. But as they pursue their dreams, only one discovers that happiness doesn't always come from a prince. Will Edna's practical skills and humor lead her to a more fulfilling life? Discover how two different approaches to adversity reveal the true path to joy.
The Legend of the Poinsettia
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

The Legend of the Poinsettia

By Tomie dePaola

A girl's selfless gift transforms a humble flower into a Christmas legend.

32 pages· 1,217 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,394 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a vibrant Mexican village, young Lucida faces a Christmas dilemma. With nothing to offer the Christ Child, she discovers the true essence of giving. Her humble gift transforms into the radiant poinsettia, lighting up the countryside with its red stars. As Lucida learns what makes a gift truly beautiful, the legend of the poinsettia is born. Will her unselfish act inspire others to see beyond appearances? This enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of selfless love, set against the colorful backdrop of Mexican traditions.
The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back

By Jonathan Stutzman, Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)

A mouse's home welcomes all, no matter how full it gets.

48 pages· 752 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 519 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Vincent, a mouse with a house on his back, finds his perfect spot on a grassy hill. As weary travelers pass by, he opens his magical home to all, no matter their size or nature. From a ravenous cat to a herd of deer, Vincent's generosity knows no bounds. How much can one little house hold, and what happens when it seems too full? Discover the heartwarming tale of a mouse whose kindness creates a home for everyone.
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Folklore Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about folklore for the youngest readers and listeners.

The Making of Butterflies
Sale price
$999

The Making of Butterflies

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Discover why the Creator made butterflies in this enchanting folktale.

The Three Bears
Sale price
$799

The Three Bears

Ages 1–4 · 1991

A curious girl stumbles into a bear family's home. What will they find?

12 Lucky Animals
Sale price
$799

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover your lucky animal in this bilingual journey through the Chinese zodiac.

Rapunzel
Series
Sale price
$999

Rapunzel

Ages 1–5 · 2016

A trapped girl, a daring prince, and a wicked witch. Can love conquer all?

Five Little Leprechauns
Sale price
$699

Five Little Leprechauns

Ages 1–5 · 2022

Five leprechauns leap and tumble in a clover-filled adventure.

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Folklore Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about folklore for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Town Mouse, Country Mouse
Sale price
$1999

Town Mouse, Country Mouse

Ages 4–8 · 1994

Two mouse couples swap homes, facing unexpected adventures and challenges.

Just a Minute
Sale price
$1599

Just a Minute

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A surprise guest demands Grandma Beetle leave, but she has a clever plan.

Little Red Riding Hood
Sale price
$1899

Little Red Riding Hood

Ages 4–8 · 1983

A girl faces a cunning wolf on her way to her grandmother's house.

Adelita
Sale price
$899

Adelita

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A young woman vanishes at midnight, leaving only a shawl as a clue to her identity.

Bony-legs
Sale price
$399

Bony-legs

Ages 4–8 · 1983

A girl must outsmart a witch with the help of unlikely allies.

A Story, a Story
Sale price
$799

A Story, a Story

Ages 4–8 · 1970

A spider must capture three cunning creatures to bring stories to the world.

Beauty and the Beast
Sale price
$1799

Beauty and the Beast

Ages 5–8 · 1989

A mysterious suitor hides secrets in a magical castle.

Two of Everything
Sale price
$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

The Talking Eggs
Sale price
$1899

The Talking Eggs

Ages 4–8 · 1989

A vibrant Southern folktale comes to life with unexpected twists.

Tikki Tikki Tembo
Sale price
$899

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Ages 4–8 · 1968

A boy's long name leads to unexpected trouble in a classic folktale.

Lon Po Po
Sale price
$899

Lon Po Po

Ages 4–8 · 1989

A Chinese twist on Little Red Riding Hood reveals unexpected dangers and clever survival.

Stone Soup
Sale price
$1695

Stone Soup

Ages 4–7 · 1998

Two travelers spark generosity in a village with a mysterious stone soup.

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Folklore Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about folklore for developing and independent readers.

The Moorchild
Sale price
$1899

The Moorchild

Ages 9–12 · 1996

A changeling girl must confront her past to right a wrong and find her place between two worlds.

I Shall Wear Midnight
#38 in Series
Sale price
$1699

I Shall Wear Midnight

Ages 13–+ · 2010

A young witch battles a rising tide of fear threatening her world. Can she stop the darkness before it consumes all?

Monstrous
Sale price
$2499

Monstrous

Ages 9–14 · 2019

Explore the science and history behind legendary monsters in this captivating guide.

The Dragon Prince
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

The Dragon Prince

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Three heroes must unite to prevent war and restore peace in a divided world.

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