Earth's Children Books in Order

Jean M. Auel's epic prehistoric-fiction saga set in Ice Age Europe roughly 30,000 years ago, following Ayla, a Cro-Magnon girl raised by Neanderthals, as she comes of age and journeys across the continent. The six novels unfold as one continuous chronological story of survival, discovery, and love.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of The Clan of the Cave Bear

    The Clan of the Cave Bear

    1980 · Jean M. Auel

    After an earthquake leaves her orphaned, a young Cro-Magnon girl named Ayla is taken in by a wandering band of Neanderthals known as the Clan. Raised…

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  2. Cover of The Valley of Horses

    The Valley of Horses

    1982 · Jean M. Auel

    Cast out and alone, Ayla survives in a sheltered prehistoric valley, taming animals and mastering the skills she needs to endure. Far away, two…

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  3. Cover of The Mammoth Hunters

    The Mammoth Hunters

    1985 · Jean M. Auel

    Ayla and Jondalar travel onward and are welcomed by the Mamutoi, a vibrant community of mammoth hunters living in earthen lodges on the steppes. As…

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  4. Cover of The Plains of Passage

    The Plains of Passage

    1990 · Jean M. Auel

    Ayla and Jondalar set out on a long and perilous trek across Ice Age Europe toward his distant homeland. Crossing rivers, glaciers, and unfamiliar…

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  5. Cover of The Shelters of Stone

    The Shelters of Stone

    2002 · Jean M. Auel

    Ayla and Jondalar finally reach the Zelandonii, the people of his birth, where she must win acceptance among his kin and a society that knows nothing…

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  6. Cover of The Land of Painted Caves

    The Land of Painted Caves

    2011 · Jean M. Auel

    Now living among the Zelandonii, Ayla trains to become one of the spiritual leaders known as the Zelandonia, a calling that takes her to the sacred…

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Companion & related books

Short-story collections and companion titles in this series.

Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Earth's Children books in?

Publication order — Widely recommended by readers and booksellers; the books also match the author's chronological storyline Start with “The Clan of the Cave Bear.”

How many books are in the Earth's Children series?

We list 6 books by Jean M. Auel , published between 1980–2011.

Where can I buy the Earth's Children books?

Each title above links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.