If you enjoy reading books by Brian Selznick then you might also like the following authors:
Shaun Tan is an artist and writer known for his unique storytelling through beautiful illustrations and sparse, meaningful text. One of his most well-loved works is “The Arrival.”
It’s a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his home in search of a better life for his family.
The strange, dreamlike world he encounters is full of bizarre creatures and unfamiliar customs, making the reader feel the isolation and wonder of starting fresh in a foreign place. The imagery speaks volumes, painting a rich emotional journey without a single written word.
Fans of Brian Selznick’s visual storytelling might find a similar sense of magic in Tan’s work.
David Wiesner creates picture books that pull you into worlds full of imagination and surprises. In his book “Flotsam,” a young boy finds an old, barnacle-covered camera washed ashore.
When he develops the film inside, he uncovers photographs revealing hidden stories under the ocean, like tiny sea creatures using fish as transportation or villages built on the backs of giant starfish.
The wordless storytelling lets you, as the reader, unravel the mystery through its incredible illustrations. Wiesner’s books share a sense of wonder and visual storytelling that fans of Brian Selznick might appreciate.
Chris Van Allsburg is an author and illustrator known for his imaginative picture books that blend mystery with striking visuals.
One of his most well-known works, “The Mysteries of Harris Burdick,” presents a series of mysterious drawings paired with single sentences, each hinting at a larger, untold story.
The book leaves readers’ minds wandering in every direction, sparking curiosity about what might have happened before and after the scenes. His work often has that mix of wonder and unease, creating worlds that linger in your thoughts long after you put the book down.
Jacqueline Woodson is a storyteller whose books often explore identity, family, and belonging with a tender and personal touch. One of her standout works is “Brown Girl Dreaming.”
It’s an autobiographical novel told through verse, where she shares her memories of growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. The story takes you through her childhood in South Carolina and New York, highlighting moments that shaped her love for words and storytelling.
Through these poems, you see her experience the challenges of growing up during the civil rights era and her dreams of becoming a writer.
Kate DiCamillo writes stories that feel warm and magical while staying grounded in real emotions. In her book “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” she tells the story of a fancy porcelain rabbit who gets lost and goes on an unexpected adventure.
Along the way, he encounters people who show him love, loss, and hope, which changes him in surprising ways. It’s touching and memorable, with a sense of wonder that can remind readers of Brian Selznick’s work.
Lois Lowry is an author known for creating thought-provoking stories that are often centered around young characters facing unique challenges.
One of her most famous books, “The Giver,” tells the story of Jonas, a boy who lives in a world where emotions, colors, and even memories have been erased to ensure a structured and pain-free society.
When Jonas is chosen to receive the collective memories of the past from an elder called the Giver, he starts to uncover truths about his seemingly perfect world.
The story explores his growing awareness of what it means to truly experience life, leaving readers curious about the choices he will make.
R.J. Palacio is best known for her book “Wonder,” a heartfelt story about August Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference who starts attending school for the first time. The story shows how Auggie navigates friendships, bullying, and acceptance.
It’s told through different perspectives, giving readers a deeper look into how his life affects those around him. If you’ve enjoyed Brian Selznick’s ability to mix emotion with unique storytelling, Palacio’s work might be worth exploring.
Adam Gidwitz is an author who takes classic tales and gives them a twist, creating stories that feel both familiar and fresh. In his book “A Tale Dark & Grimm,” he follows Hansel and Gretel as they wander through a series of dark and dangerous adventures.
The siblings leave home, seeking a better life, but end up facing witches, dragons, and other strange characters. The story doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of fairy tales, yet it’s full of wit and surprises that keep you turning the page.
If you enjoy stories that mix mystery and magic, this book might be a great choice.
Lemony Snicket is the pen name of Daniel Handler, a writer known for his dark humor and clever storytelling. One of his most famous works is “The Bad Beginning,” the first book in *A Series of Unfortunate Events*.
It follows the Baudelaire children—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—who lose their parents in a fire and are sent to live with the sinister Count Olaf. Olaf schemes to steal their family fortune, all while making their lives miserable.
The book stands out for its sharp wit and the way it mixes misery and absurdity, creating a world that’s both gloomy and strangely fun to explore.
Holly Black is an author known for creating vivid fantasy worlds with characters that feel alive. In her book “The Cruel Prince,” readers are taken into the magical, dangerous world of Faerie.
The story follows Jude, a mortal girl, who is thrust into the court of the High King after the murder of her parents. Despite being human, Jude is determined to earn her place among the immortal and ruthless fae, who view her as inferior.
The court is full of schemes, betrayals, and uneasy alliances as Jude navigates a world where power means everything. If you’re drawn to layered stories with striking visuals and strong emotions, this book might catch your attention.
Neil Gaiman is an author known for blending imagination with unusual yet heartfelt characters. One of his books, “The Graveyard Book”, tells the story of a boy named Bod who grows up in a graveyard raised by ghosts.
The story begins with Bod escaping a terrible fate as a baby, and as he grows, he learns life lessons from his ghostly family while navigating dangers outside the graveyard. Fans of rich imagery and creative storytelling might find his work intriguing.
Rebecca Stead writes books that often blend everyday life with hints of mystery and wonder. Her novel, “When You Reach Me,” is set in 1970s New York City and centers on a sixth-grader named Miranda.
Miranda starts receiving strange notes that seem to predict the future and warn her of a disaster. As she tries to make sense of the notes, she also deals with friendship troubles, her mother’s dream of being on a game show, and the strange behavior of a boy named Marcus.
The story feels layered, pulling you into both Miranda’s daily life and the puzzle surrounding the notes. It’s a quick read but one that stays with you.
Jerry Spinelli is an author known for writing stories that capture the ups and downs of growing up. One of his most well-loved books, “Stargirl,” follows the story of a unique girl who stands out at her high school because of her bold, quirky personality.
As her classmates struggle to understand her, the story explores what it feels like to be different and to stay true to yourself. Spinelli’s storytelling has a way of making characters unforgettable, pulling readers into their world.
Mac Barnett is an author who knows how to create stories that are clever and full of heart. One of his books, “Extra Yarn,” tells the story of a girl named Annabelle who finds a magical box of yarn.
No matter how many colorful sweaters she knits for her town, the box never runs out of yarn. When a powerful archduke tries to steal it, things take an unexpected turn. The book has a whimsical and cozy feel, paired beautifully with Jon Klassen’s muted illustrations.
It’s the kind of story that surprises you with how simple yet imaginative it is.
Patrick Ness writes stories that often explore human emotions and relationships through unique perspectives. His book, “A Monster Calls,” tells the story of a boy named Conor who is struggling to cope with his mother’s illness.
One night, a monstrous tree comes to life outside his window. The tree doesn’t act as you’d expect; it tells Conor mysterious tales that reveal deeper truths about fear, anger, and love.
Ness weaves this story in a way that feels both magical and deeply real, creating moments that linger long after you finish.