Books About Tall Tales

The Best Tall Tales Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about tall tales? 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.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Tall Tales

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Aw, Nuts!

By Rob McClurkan

A squirrel's wild chase for the perfect acorn leads to unexpected adventures.

32 pages· 297 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Squirrel embarks on a zany quest for the ultimate acorn, facing one hilarious mishap after another. From taxis running out of gas to pogo sticks landing in holes, his journey is full of surprises. As he hops on boats and bikes, the question remains: will Squirrel ever catch his elusive prize? Dive into this laugh-out-loud adventure and find out!

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Tall Tales

By Jeff Smith (Author/Illustrator), Tom Sniegoski · Bone series

Discover Boneville's origins with wild tales of adventure and mythical creatures.

108 pages· 11,205 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 12,702 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join Smiley Bone as he regales young scouts with the legendary exploits of Big Johnson Bone, the founder of Boneville. Dive into a world of daring adventures featuring Rat Creatures, Dragons, and a mischievous monkey. What secrets lie in the tales of the mighty explorer who discovered the Rolling Bone River? Uncover the hilarious and thrilling origins of Boneville in this captivating prequel to the beloved BONE saga.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

The Legend of Gravity

By Charly Palmer

A new basketball star's skills are tested in a high-stakes tournament finale. Can talent alone secure victory?

40 pages· 1,454 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 421 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Gravity, the new sensation on the Eagles basketball team, can leap so high his teammates joke about grabbing ice cream before he lands. As they aim to conquer Milwaukee's toughest tournament, the Eagles feel invincible. But facing the Flyers, the city's top team, they discover that raw talent might not be enough. Will Gravity's extraordinary skills lead them to triumph, or will they need something more? Dive into this vibrant tale of teamwork, loyalty, and the hidden heroes among us.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 11–14 · 1994

Eyes of the Storm

By Jeff Smith · Book #3 in the Bone series

Strange dreams and secrets threaten to uproot the Bones from their home.

174 pages· 9,491 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 16,365 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the Valley, danger looms as Lucius, Smiley, and Phoney face Rat Creatures, while Fone Bone and Thorn are haunted by mysterious dreams. Gran'ma Ben's startling revelations suggest hidden threats, forcing them to consider leaving the farm. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the Valley's secrets consume them?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 1966

McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm

By Sid Fleischman, Quentin Blake (Illustrator), Marylin Hafner (Illustrator) · Beech Tree Chapter Books series

A farmer discovers magical soil where plants and coins grow rapidly.

64 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,059 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Josh McBroom buys what seems like a useless pond instead of farmland. But when the water recedes, he uncovers soil so fertile that seeds sprout instantly and coins multiply. Is this miraculous land a blessing or a challenge? As McBroom navigates this unexpected bounty, he must decide how to harness its potential without losing his grip on reality. What secrets does this enchanted earth hold, and how will it change his life forever?

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,013 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

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!

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 · 922 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

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.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1988

Johnny Appleseed

By Steven Kellogg · Tall Tales Books series

Discover the legendary adventures of Johnny Appleseed as he plants orchards and tales across America.

48 pages· 944 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,560 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Journey with Johnny Appleseed, the legendary pioneer who ventured west from Massachusetts after the American Revolution. As he plants orchards and sows stories, his adventures grow into larger-than-life legends. What tales will he leave behind in the wilderness? This vibrant retelling captures the spirit of a true American hero, blending fact and folklore in a captivating picture book. Perfect for young readers, it invites you to explore the life and legacy of a man whose apple trees and stories continue to inspire. Will you follow his trail and uncover the myths he left in his wake?

Sale price

$1786

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2004

Apples to Oregon

By Deborah Hopkinson

A pioneer family braves the wilds to bring their beloved fruit trees to Oregon.

Golden Kite Award (2005)

40 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,007 ratings

$18.80Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Papa uproots his family and cherished fruit trees for a perilous journey from Iowa to Oregon. Facing rivers wider than Texas, plum-sized hailstones, and relentless droughts, they struggle to keep their precious cargo alive. But young Delicious, the apple of her father's eye, is determined to see their orchard thrive in the new land. Will their dreams bear fruit, or will the harsh trail prove too much? This hilarious tall tale, inspired by a real pioneer, promises adventure and resilience in the face of nature's challenges.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2003

Thunder Rose

By Jerdine Nolen, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

A fierce storm tests a girl's strength and resilience. Can she overcome nature's fury?

Coretta Scott King Honor (2004)

32 pages· 2,000 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 711 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Rose, a girl with extraordinary strength, faces her greatest challenge when a wild storm threatens everything she knows. As nature's fury rages, will her determination be enough to conquer the tempest? Discover a tale of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Bookroo Book Club