Picture Books & Early Readers
Here you’ll find info on Aaron Shepard’s picture books and early readers, featuring folktales, world classics, and original fables. For email notice of new books, subscribe to Aaron’s Update.
Special online features are available for each book. These can include reader’s theater scripts, printable color posters, photo features, audio recordings, extended author notes, and fun writing exercises. To find these features, follow links to Aaron’s Extras.
The Baker’s Dozen
A Saint Nicholas Tale
Illustrated by Wendy Edelson
Van Amsterdam, the baker, is as honest as he can be—but he may have something left to learn. A Christmas classic! Ages 4–12.
Spanish Edition—La docena del panadero
The Sea King’s Daughter
A Russian Legend
Illustrated by Gennady Spirin
A poor musician is invited to play in the Sea King’s palace, where he’s offered more than riches. An A.L.A. Notable and N.Y. Times Best Illustrated. Ages 7 and up.
The Crystal Heart
A Vietnamese Legend
Illustrated by Joseph Daniel Fiedler
The mandarin’s daughter did not really see the boatman who sang from the river, but she’s sure he’s her destined love. A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book. Ages 7 and up.
The Legend of Lightning Larry
Illustrated by Toni Goffe
A cowboy with a huge smile, a gun that shoots bolts of light, and a hankering for lemonade takes on Evil‑Eye McNeevil’s outlaw gang. Aaron’s best-loved story. Ages 4–12.
The Legend of Slappy Hooper
An American Tall Tale
Illustrated by Toni Goffe
Slappy is the world’s biggest, fastest, bestest sign painter, but he’s too good—his pictures keep coming to life. Winner of the 2024 Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society. Ages 5–12.
Princess of India
An Ancient Tale
From the Mahabharata
Illustrated by Vera Rosenberry
(Formerly titled Savitri: A Tale of Ancient India)
The princess Savitri must use all her wit and will to save her husband from the god of death. A California Collection selection. Ages 7 and up.
Christmas Truce
Illustrated by Wendy Edelson
A true story of peace in the midst of World War I. As heard on ITV’s “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas,” sponsored by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Ages 9 and up.
Quackling
A Not-Too-Grimm Fairy Tale
Illustrated by Wendy Edelson
After waiting in vain for the King to repay a loan, Quackling wants his money back. Ages 3–9.
Which Shoes Do You Choose?
Illustrated by Wendy Edelson
With so many kinds of shoes at the store, how can Katie ever choose? Ages 2–8.
The Adventures of Mouse Deer
Favorite Folk Tales of Southeast Asia
Illustrated by Kim Gamble
Mouse Deer is small, and many animals want to eat him—but first they have to catch him! Ages 4–9.
Skeeter and the Weasels
Illustrated by Anne L. Watson
One day Skeeter noticed there were a lot of weasels. Ages 5–9.
Lady White Snake
A Tale From Chinese Opera
Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang
When a thousand-year–old snake takes human form and marries for love, she must fight for both her marriage and her freedom. Ages 7 and up.
One‑Eye! Two‑Eyes! Three‑Eyes!
A Very Grimm Fairy Tale
Illustrated by Gary Clement
Two‑Eyes is different from her sisters and others, because she has just two eyes. A New York Public Library selection for “Children’s Books 2007: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing.” Ages 7–12.
The Princess Mouse
A Tale of Finland
Illustrated by Leonid Gore
When a young man seeks a wife by way of family tradition, he finds himself engaged to a mouse. A New York Public Library selection for “Children’s Books 2003: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing.” Ages 4–12.
The Magic Brocade
A Tale of China
Illustrated by Xiaojun Li
To save his mother’s life, a young man must retrieve her weaving from the fairies of Sun Palace. Ages 4 and up.
King o’ the Cats
Illustrated by Kristin Sorra
Peter is notorious for telling wild stories—so who will believe him now, with his crazy claims about cats? A Junior Library Guild Selection. Ages 4–12.
Master Man
A Tall Tale of Nigeria
Illustrated by David Wisniewski
Shadusa thinks he’s the strongest man in the world—till he meets the real Master Man. Caldecott Award-winning illustrator! Ages 5 and up.
The Maiden of Northland
A Hero Tale of Finland
From the Kalevala
Illustrated by Carol Schwartz
Two epic heroes vie with magic for the hand of a sorceress’s daughter. An Aesop Accolade winner. Ages 9 and up.
The Gifts of Wali Dad
A Tale of India and Pakistan
Illustrated by Daniel San Souci
Wali Dad, a humble grasscutter, never asked for wealth—so why can’t he give it away? An Aesop Accolade winner. Ages 4 and up.
Forty Fortunes
A Tale of Iran
Illustrated by Alisher Dianov
When a young man’s wife makes him pose as a fortuneteller, his success is unpredictable. Ages 7 and up.
Master Maid
A Tale of Norway
Illustrated by Pauline Ellison
When Leif goes to work for the troll, only the advice of a remarkable young woman can save him from his foolishness—if only he’ll listen! Ages 4 and up.
The Enchanted Storks
A Tale of Bagdad
Illustrated by Alisher Dianov
The Calif and his Vizier try a spell that changes them into storks, then find they can’t change back. Ages 7 and up.
Many Fingers, One Hand
Illustrated by Anne L. Watson
Many parts make a whole, in this short concept book for the very young. Ages 1–2.