Best Children's American Folk Tales & Myths Books of 2025

Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a scavenger hunt through Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. The book follows Jake, Amber, and Wes as they search for hidden codes, riddles, and maps left behind by Jake’s grandfather. Along the way, they learn about survival skills, natural history, and the importance of friendship. This page-turner is perfect for young readers who love mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys and movies like National Treasure. The author’s illustrations add an extra layer of excitement to the story, making it hard to put down. Overall, Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a delightful read-aloud adventure that both kids and parents will enjoy.

We Are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade, is a powerful and inspiring picture book that won the 2021 Caldecott Medal and became a New York Times bestseller. The book tells the story of a young water protector who stands up to defend the Earth's most sacred resource from a black snake that threatens to destroy it. The book is a tribute to Native resilience and an urgent call to action for environmental justice. The illustrations by Goade are mystical and fierce, evoking both grief and hope. Lindstrom's poetic text flows with the rhythm of the river, inviting readers to stand up for our interconnected planet. We Are Water Protectors is a gorgeous and empowering book that celebrates Indigenous-led movements and inspires youth to care for our environment.

Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery Series) is a thrilling book that follows Jake and his friends as they embark on a scavenger hunt into the rugged wilderness of the national parks. The book is filled with riddles, lost landmarks, hidden clues, and real locations that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The characters' friendships and integrity are tested, and they learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship. The book is perfect for young readers who love mystery adventures and enchanted lands. The illustrations by the author make the book even more captivating. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys an exciting adventure story.

The Green Ember is a captivating story about two ordinary rabbits, Heather and Picket, who are thrown into extraordinary circumstances and discover that their own story is intertwined with the fate of the wider world. The book is full of sword-bearing rabbits, daring quests, and moments of poignant beauty that will inspire young readers to courage and creativity. The author, S. D. Smith, has a unique voice for children and families that the world needs to hear. Overall, The Green Ember is a must-read for children's Christian action and adventure fiction books, and it is a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.

Berry Song (Caldecott Honor Book) by Michaela Goade is a beautiful and heartwarming picture book that celebrates the connection between nature and people. The story follows a girl and her grandmother as they gather gifts from the land and sing to it as it sings to them. Through the seasons, they deepen their relationship with the earth and with the generations that came before them. Goade's stunning illustrations of water, forest, and berries make this book a visual delight. Overall, Berry Song is a unique and important addition to any children's book collection.

Seeds and Trees is a heartwarming children's book that teaches the power of words and their effects on emotions. The story follows a young prince who plants both green and dark seeds, only to realize the harm the dark trees cause to the green ones. With the help of a friend, he learns to cut down the dark trees and replace them with green seeds, creating a beautiful garden. This book is perfect for parents looking to instill positive values in their children, as it encourages kindness towards oneself and others. It also offers a supportive approach for families and educators dealing with bullying situations. Overall, Seeds and Trees is a unique and inspiring read that children of all ages will enjoy.

Smoky Mountain Survival is a thrilling addition to The Campground Kids series, perfect for young readers who love adventure and the outdoors. In this book, Isaiah, Sadie, and Ethan explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and encounter the dangers of camping in the wilderness. The story is full of suspense and action, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The characters' bravery and survival skills are a great example for young readers to follow. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for children's action and adventure books, and it stands out for its focus on outdoor exploration and responsibility.

Ember's End (The Green Ember Series: Book 4) (The Green Ember, 4) is a thrilling finale that will have readers on the edge of their seat. In this final installment of the Green Ember Series, Heather and Picket face off against their tyrannical foes in a battle for survival and hope for the future. The author, S.D. Smith, weaves a tale of honor, sacrifice, and surprises that will keep readers engaged until the very end. This book is a must-read for fans of the series and for those who enjoy children's rabbit books.

The "Fairy House" is a captivating interactive adventure book for children. It follows the story of a child who builds a fairy house and meets Bert the Below Average, a real fairy. The book is part of the popular Choose Your Own Adventure series, offering readers the power to make their own choices and shape the story. This book is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, as it offers an engaging and empowering experience. Overall, "Fairy House" is a delightful read that will take children on a magical journey filled with wonder and excitement.

"I Sang You Down from the Stars" is a heartwarming children's book that celebrates the love between a mother and her unborn child. The story follows a mother-to-be as she gathers gifts to create a sacred bundle for her baby, each item offering strength and connection to tradition, family, and community. Tasha Spillett-Sumner, an Inniniwak creator, and Michaela Goade, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and Caldecott Medalist, beautifully bring together words and art to create a resonant celebration of maternal love. This book is a must-read for all libraries, especially those with early literacy initiatives."