Adam Rubin is known for his incredibly funny and often metafictional children’s books. Think about books such as “Dragons Love Tacos,” a story about what happens when dragons really, really love tacos, and perhaps too many tacos.
Or consider “Secret Pizza Party,” which reveals the clandestine world of pizza-loving raccoons. If you appreciate this type of humor and storytelling in books for younger readers, you may find authors with a similar approach quite enjoyable.
Readers who enjoy Adam Rubin’s playful and humorous storytelling should check out Mo Willems. Willems creates delightfully funny picture books filled with quirky characters and clever plots that appeal to both children and adults.
In “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”, a hilarious pigeon desperately wants to drive a city bus. Despite numerous dodges, pleas, and negotiations, readers must continuously deny the pigeon’s absurd request.
Willems’ expressive drawings perfectly capture the pigeon’s silly antics and emotions. This book quickly becomes a family favorite with its cheerful, engaging story and interactive reading experience.
If you enjoy Adam Rubin’s playful storytelling and humorous imagination, you might want to check out Mac Barnett. Barnett creates entertaining children’s books filled with funny twists, witty dialogue, and unique adventures.
A great example is “Extra Yarn,” a story about a young girl named Annabelle who finds a magical box of yarn. No matter how much yarn she uses, the box never empties. Soon, Annabelle transforms her dull, gray town into one filled with vivid colors, warmth, and wonder.
But it’s not long before a greedy archduke arrives, determined to steal her magic box for himself. The simple yet charming plot, lively characters, and unexpected turns make Mac Barnett’s books appealing to Adam Rubin fans.
Readers who enjoy the energetic humor of Adam Rubin might also appreciate Drew Daywalt. He is the author of imaginative picture books that bring everyday objects to life with clever storytelling.
In “The Day the Crayons Quit,” Daywalt introduces a box of disgruntled crayons who have had enough. Through a series of amusing letters addressed to their owner, Duncan, each crayon hilariously explains their unique grievances.
From Red feeling overworked during holidays, to Beige tired of being overshadowed by Brown, every page offers laughter and playful surprises. The book humorously reveals the crayons’ secret lives and encourages readers to rethink ordinary objects around them.
Oliver Jeffers is a children’s author and illustrator known for his playful and quirky stories. If you enjoy Adam Rubin’s humorous storytelling, Jeffers also offers whimsical adventures that are fun to read aloud.
His book “The Day the Crayons Quit” tells the tale of a boy named Duncan who receives letters from his crayons.
Each crayon complains about mistreatment and unfair usage: Red is exhausted from coloring fire engines and Santa Claus, Beige feels overlooked, and Blue desperately needs a break from coloring oceans.
Jeffers brings humor and warmth to everyday objects, making readers both laugh and think.
Readers who enjoy Adam Rubin’s funny and imaginative stories might also appreciate Aaron Blabey’s playful children’s books. Blabey is well-known for his hilarious characters and lively illustrations.
In his book “The Bad Guys,” a crew of traditionally “bad” animals—a wolf, shark, snake, and piranha—decide to become heroes. But shaking off their old reputations isn’t easy, especially when their rescue attempts lead to one ridiculous situation after another.
The lighthearted humor and quick pace make it a delight for fans wanting more playful adventures.
Readers who enjoy Adam Rubin’s playful sense of humor might also appreciate Dav Pilkey’s creative and quirky stories. Pilkey is known for lively illustrations and silly, relatable characters.
In “Dog Man,” readers meet an unconventional hero—a character with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman. After an unusual accident, Dog Man uses both dog instincts and human crime-fighting abilities to battle villains and keep his city safe.
The story is filled with jokes, funny villains, and comic-book style art that appeals to fans of Rubin’s humorous storytelling style.
Jon Klassen is an author and illustrator known for his witty storytelling and beautifully simple artwork. If you enjoyed Adam Rubin’s “Dragons Love Tacos,” Klassen’s “I Want My Hat Back” may appeal to you as well.
This humorous picture book follows a bear who calmly asks his animal neighbors whether they’ve seen his missing hat. Klassen’s clever, subtle writing pairs perfectly with his minimalist illustrations.
Together, they create a story that is funny and surprising, with a delightful ending that readers can’t forget.
Readers who enjoyed Adam Rubin’s playful storytelling might also appreciate Peter H. Reynolds, an author known for charming tales that encourage creativity and imagination. In his book “The Dot,” Reynolds tells the story of a young girl named Vashti who believes she can’t draw.
With a gentle prompt from her teacher, she makes a simple mark, an ordinary dot. What follows is a story about discovering confidence in unexpected ways. Reynolds blends heartwarming messages with simple, expressive illustrations that leave a lasting impression.
Chris Van Dusen writes children’s picture books full of imagination, humor, and surprising adventures. If you enjoy Adam Rubin’s silly, energetic stories, try “If I Built a Car,” a story that celebrates a kid’s boundless creativity.
In the book, young Jack dreams up a fantastical car that goes far beyond everyday transportation. His design includes a swimming pool, a snack bar, and flying capabilities.
Van Dusen’s playful rhymes and bright, bold illustrations bring Jack’s imaginative ideas to life, making this story fun for readers of all ages.
Readers who enjoy Adam Rubin’s humorous and playful storytelling will likely appreciate Shel Silverstein’s whimsical and imaginative style. Shel Silverstein is known for creative poems and illustrated tales that amuse and inspire readers of all ages.
His book “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is a delightful collection of silly, thought-provoking, and quirky poems that explore everything from imaginary creatures to everyday childhood adventures.
Each poem features Shel Silverstein’s distinctive line drawings, enhancing the humor and charm found in each page.
Whether it’s an absurd rhyme about a boa constrictor eating an unfortunate narrator or whimsical verses about magical adventures, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” offers readers plenty of laughter, silliness, and creative surprises.
Julia Donaldson is a fantastic pick for readers who enjoy Adam Rubin’s playful stories and humorous characters. In her book “The Gruffalo,” Donaldson tells a witty tale of a clever little mouse who invents an imaginary monster called the Gruffalo.
This quick-thinking mouse uses the Gruffalo to scare off predators, only to discover the creature may not be imaginary after all. Donaldson’s storytelling style features lively rhymes, funny twists, and charming characters that keep children and adults hooked.
If you appreciate Rubin’s humorous narratives and entertaining surprises, you’ll find the same elements present in Donaldson’s imaginative books.
Readers who enjoy Adam Rubin’s playful stories and humorous style might also appreciate the books of Anna Dewdney. Dewdney’s stories are gentle yet funny, and her expressive illustrations capture the ups and downs of childhood perfectly.
In her picture book “Llama Llama Red Pajama,” little Llama struggles to fall asleep after Mama Llama says goodnight and leaves the room. His imagination starts racing, and he becomes anxious while waiting for her return.
Young readers will relate to the story’s sense of comfort and humor, and Dewdney’s delightful rhymes and warm illustrations make it a favorite bedtime read.
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen writes humorous stories for children packed with imagination and playful narratives. Fans of Adam Rubin’s “Dragons Love Tacos” may also enjoy her book, “Chicks Run Wild.”
This funny bedtime story is about a group of chicks who refuse to sleep, choosing mischief and hilarity instead. Their mother patiently tries to settle them down, but these chicks have too much energy to rest quietly.
Bardhan-Quallen builds the humor in rhythmic, catchy text that is a joy to read aloud, pairing funny storytelling with lively illustrations.
Readers will recognize the playful energy and silly charm that make Rubin’s books appealing, finding similar laughter and delight in Bardhan-Quallen’s tales.
Readers who enjoy Adam Rubin might also find Laurie Keller’s books entertaining and humorous. Keller combines playful storytelling with quirky characters to make otherwise ordinary topics come alive.
In her book “Arnie the Doughnut,” readers meet Arnie, a cheerful donut who suddenly realizes his true purpose in life is to be someone’s snack. Arnie sets out to change his fate, and his journey becomes silly, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming.
Keller pairs her lively narratives with bright, whimsical illustrations that perfectly capture the amusing personalities in her stories.
Anyone who appreciates the imaginative tales of food-related adventures like Rubin’s “Dragons Love Tacos” will likely enjoy the charm and fun in Keller’s storytelling style.
Readers who enjoy the humor and fun in Adam Rubin’s books might also appreciate author Bob Shea. Shea creates humorous stories that combine lively illustrations with playful characters kids love.
In his book “Dinosaur vs. Bedtime,” we meet a feisty little dinosaur who isn’t afraid of anything—not piles of leaves, not big slides, and definitely not bedtime.
Each obstacle the dinosaur faces is a comedic battle, full of playful twists and bold illustrations, right until bedtime makes the ultimate challenge.
Shea’s energetic storytelling and expressive art make this a delightful read that captures the mischievous and spirited nature children adore.