I want kids to understand that making pictures is similar to making music; there are so many instruments and so many tunes that the possibilities for how you play are truly limitless.
Jerry Pinkney (1939-2021)
Jerry Pinkney is a children’s literature icon. Even if you’ve never heard his name, chances are you and your child have read at least one of the many books he illustrated or authored. His career spanned six decades and 97 children’s picture books, not to mention a handful of illustrated novels. Pinkey’s books have won multiple Coretta Scott King Awards, an Orbis Pictus Award, and even a Caldecott Medal. His illustrations are lively, expressive, and invite the reader to delve in further, beyond the words.
We’ve curated a list of Jerry Pinkney’s books that showcase his dedication to the art of storytelling. All are picture books unless otherwise noted. And all should be available at a local library, in independent bookstores, and from Bookshop.org. Enjoy!
Jerry Pinkney’s Fables and Folktales
Adaptations of fables, folktales, and fairytales make up the largest portion of Jerry Pinkney’s body of work. He worked with authors to bring African and African American folktales to prominence. Additionally, he modernized European classics for today’s audiences with black characters in the lead roles. By breathing new life into tales that are hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years old, Jerry Pinkney has kept these stories alive and relevant for future generations. Some to try:
John Henry
by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
John Henry, written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1994), retells a popular African-American folktale. It won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and is a Caldecott Honor Book.
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The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South
by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South, written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1989), is an adaptation of a Creole folktale with currents of humor, magic, and kindness. It’s a Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
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Mirandy and Brother Wind
by Patricia C. McKissak, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Mirandy and Brother Wind, written by Patricia C. McKissak and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1988), recounts the story of Mirandy, who wants to capture Brother Wind to be her date for the local cakewalk. It won the Coretta Scott King Book Award and is Caldecott Honor Book.
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Tonweya and the Eagles, and other Lakota Tales
by Rosebud Yellow Robe, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Tonweya and the Eagles, and other Lakota Tales, written by Rosebud Yellow Robe and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1979), shares the stories of native Lakota Americans as recorded by a Native American storyteller.
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The Little Red Hen
by Jerry Pinkney
The Little Red Hen, by Jerry Pinkney (2006), won the New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.
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Inspiring Nonfiction Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
In addition to his many works of fiction, Pinkney also illustrated some wonderful nonfiction books during his career. In these volumes, he helped showcase the lives of black Americans throughout American history. Some to try:
Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story
by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story, written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1998), tells the true story of Bob Lemmons, a formerly enslaved man who became one of the greatest mustang cowboys in Texas.
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Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir
by Eloise Greenfield and Lessie Jones Little, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir, written by Eloise Greenfield and Lessie Jones Little, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1980), is a Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book for middle grades.
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Jerry Pinkney’s Wordless Picture Books
As a teacher, I probably most often use Jerry Pinkney’s wordless books. He takes well known fables and removes the text, letting his rich illustrations tell the story on their own. It’s a brilliant way to share these tales with kids and to encourage pre-readers to narrate the stories themselves. (Get tips in our post on wordless picture books.) Some to try:
The Lion and the Mouse
The Lion and the Mouse, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (2009), won the Caldecott Medal and is a Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book
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These are just some of the incredible books by Jerry Pinkney that you can find in your local bookstore or library. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or introducing your child to a story you never knew, these Jerry Pinkney books will encourage a love of reading in your home.
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Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.
