Picture Books in Order
Below you'll find the complete list of Picture books in publication order. This is generally the recommended reading order for the series.
Reading order verified: January 2026
Publication Order
The Knee-High Man and Other Tales
Buy on Amazon1972
John Henry (With: Jerry Pinkney)
Buy on Amazon1994
Man Who Knew Too Much
Buy on Amazon1994
Sam and the Tigers (With: Jerry Pinkney)
Buy on Amazon1996
From Slave Ship to Freedom Road
Buy on Amazon1998
Black Cowboy, Wild Horses (With: Jerry Pinkney)
Buy on Amazon1998
What a Truly Cool World
Buy on Amazon1999
Albidaro and the Mischievous Dream (With: Jerry Pinkney)
Buy on Amazon2000
Ackamarackus
Buy on Amazon2001
The Blues Singers
Buy on Amazon2001
Why Heaven Is Far Away
Buy on Amazon2002
Let's Talk about Race
Buy on Amazon2005
The Old African (With: Jerry Pinkney)
Buy on Amazon2005
The Hungry Ghosts
Buy on Amazon2009
The Girl Who Saved Yesterday
Buy on Amazon2016
Black Folktales
Buy on Amazon1970
Two Love Stories
Buy on Amazon1972
Long Journey Home
Buy on Amazon1972
Who I Am
Buy on Amazon1974
This Strange New Feeling
Buy on Amazon1982
How Many Spots Does A Leopard Have?
Buy on Amazon1989
When the Beginning Began
Buy on Amazon1999
Frequently Asked Questions
The recommended reading order for the Picture series is publication order: 1. The Knee-High Man and Other Tales (1972), 2. John Henry (With: Jerry Pinkney) (1994), 3. Man Who Knew Too Much (1994), 4. Sam and the Tigers (With: Jerry Pinkney) (1996), 5. From Slave Ship to Freedom Road (1998), and 17 more. This is generally the best way to experience the story as the author intended.
The Picture series by Julius Lester contains 22 books. The series began in 1972 and continues to be a popular choice for readers.
The Picture series is written by Julius Lester. You can find more books and series by this author on our website.
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