Brian Selznick is an innovative author and illustrator combining vivid drawings with storytelling. He gained popularity with illustrated novels like The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck.
If you enjoy reading books by Brian Selznick then you might also like the following authors:
Shaun Tan is an Australian author and illustrator known for blending haunting illustrations with deeply emotional storytelling. If you enjoyed Brian Selznick’s visual narratives, you might appreciate Tan’s book The Arrival.
This graphic novel features no words, but the powerful images speak volumes. It tells the story of a man who leaves his family behind, traveling to a strange and mysterious land in search of a better life.
Tan masterfully captures the immigrant experience, depicting loneliness and wonder, confusion and connection. The detailed, dreamlike artwork pulls you into the main character’s experiences, making this a work you’ll return to many times.
Readers who enjoy Brian Selznick’s inventive blend of detailed illustrations and storytelling may also appreciate author David Macaulay. Macaulay has an engaging approach that brings complex structures and historical topics to life.
One great example is his book The Way Things Work, which cleverly explains machinery and technology. Through witty illustrations and clear explanations, Macaulay introduces readers to how everyday objects function—from simple levers to modern computers.
His imaginative and accessible style makes technical concepts easy to grasp and entertaining to explore.
If you’ve enjoyed the visual storytelling found in Selznick’s books like The Invention of Hugo Cabret, then Macaulay’s playful depictions of tools and technology might capture your imagination as well.
Chris Van Allsburg is a talented author and illustrator known for imaginative stories paired with remarkable illustrations. If you’re a fan of Brian Selznick’s books, you might also enjoy Van Allsburg’s The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.
This unique book contains fourteen intriguing drawings, each paired with only a single line of text. Each image feels mysterious and sparks your imagination.
There is one called Under the Rug showing a lump under a carpet, captioned simply, Two weeks passed and it happened again. With minimal text, Van Allsburg invites readers to imagine their own stories behind each curious scene.
If you enjoy Brian Selznick’s imaginative storytelling, you might appreciate Pam Muñoz Ryan’s vivid blend of history, fantasy, and emotional depth.
Her book Echo beautifully weaves together the stories of Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy—three kids from very different backgrounds and times. They find themselves mysteriously connected by a magical harmonica and their passion for music.
Each tale draws you into the heart of difficult times—a troubled Germany before World War II, an orphanage during the Great Depression, and a farm community amid World War II America.
Ryan’s moving narrative captures the courage, struggles, and hopes of each character, culminating in a finale that leaves readers inspired and deeply moved.
If you enjoy Brian Selznick’s heartfelt narratives and memorable characters, Kate DiCamillo might be just what you’re looking for. DiCamillo’s books bring warmth, imagination, and touching storytelling together beautifully. A good place to start is The Tale of Despereaux.
This novel follows a brave little mouse named Despereaux, who breaks the rules by befriending Princess Pea, a human. His unusual courage sets off an adventure filled with light and darkness, friendship, and forgiveness.
DiCamillo weaves together various voices—like the lonely rat Roscuro and the mistreated girl Miggery Sow—to explore themes of hope and redemption. Her writing makes you care deeply about every character you meet.
Rebecca Stead is an author who creates thought-provoking stories filled with mystery and emotion, often blending reality with gentle touches of the extraordinary. If you’re a fan of Brian Selznick’s imaginative storytelling, you might enjoy Stead’s novel When You Reach Me.
Set in New York City during the late 1970s, it follows Miranda, a sixth-grader whose daily routine shifts when she begins receiving mysterious notes that predict future events. The letters hint at a connection with her favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time.
As Miranda tries to unravel the identity of the note-writer, the story gently explores friendship, family, and the complexities of growing up—with an intriguing twist of science fiction.
Trenton Lee Stewart crafts imaginative stories that combine mystery, clever puzzles, and unforgettable characters. In his book The Mysterious Benedict Society, four bright but very different orphans are brought together by the eccentric Mr. Benedict.
Their mission is to infiltrate a strange boarding school run by a mysterious villain who has troubling plans for the world. The kids rely on their intelligence, friendship, and bravery as they navigate hidden messages and dangerous secrets.
If you enjoy Brian Selznick’s combination of adventure, warmth, and puzzles in stories such as The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Stewart’s captivating tale is a wonderful match.
M. T. Anderson is an author known for creating innovative stories that blend fantasy, history, and vivid imagination. Readers who enjoy Brian Selznick’s beautifully illustrated books could appreciate Anderson’s
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party. Set during the American Revolutionary War, the novel follows Octavian, a young boy raised in a mysterious household where peculiar experiments shape his life.
As layers of his unusual upbringing slowly unfold, Octavian faces difficult truths about freedom, identity, and the complexities of human kindness.
With intriguing characters and a unique storytelling approach, Anderson pulls readers into a thought-provoking exploration of early American history and personal discovery.
Lemony Snicket is an author who draws readers into imaginative and mysterious worlds. His clever narratives and playful style create a reading experience both enjoyable and unique.
Snicket’s book, The Bad Beginning, introduces readers to the Baudelaire siblings—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny.
After losing their parents in a mysterious fire, the siblings find themselves in the care of Count Olaf, a sinister guardian determined to claim their inheritance by any means necessary.
Filled with dark humor, quirky characters, and twists at every turn, this story brings readers through unusual adventures and peculiar mysteries, inviting them into Snicket’s imaginative narrative.
Fans of Brian Selznick’s stories may appreciate the unusual family dynamics, rich atmosphere, and adventurous plots found in Snicket’s writing.
If you enjoy Brian Selznick’s visual storytelling and heartfelt narratives, Raina Telgemeier might be exactly what you’re looking for. Telgemeier is an author and illustrator known for relatable graphic novels that explore everyday challenges faced by young people.
Her book Smile shares the true story of Raina herself, who loses two front teeth in an accident and has to navigate middle school while undergoing dental treatments.
With humor and honesty, the book captures meaningful moments about friendship, family, and self-acceptance, all brought to life through vivid artwork and engaging dialogue.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka is an author and illustrator known for imaginative storytelling paired with expressive artwork that vividly brings characters to life.
If you enjoy Brian Selznick’s unique combination of narrative and illustrations, you might appreciate Krosoczka’s graphic memoir, Hey, Kiddo. This autobiographical story explores his childhood spent with grandparents because of his mother’s struggles with addiction.
The graphic novel format allows readers to experience the story through powerful drawings and honest writing. Krosoczka skillfully captures difficult emotions while offering readers humor, warmth, and hope throughout his story.
If you enjoy Brian Selznick’s vivid storytelling and beautiful illustrations, you might appreciate Kadir Nelson’s work. Nelson combines stunning artwork with meaningful narratives that resonate with readers of all ages.
In his book We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Nelson presents the story of African American athletes who changed the face of baseball in America. The pages are filled with rich, detailed paintings.
The writing style feels personal and engaging, narrated from the voice of an unnamed player who witnessed baseball history unfold. The result is a powerful journey through sports, civil rights, and American culture that stays with you long after you close the book.
Lane Smith is an author and illustrator who creates imaginative and beautifully crafted children’s books. His work often blends whimsical storytelling with striking visuals that capture readers’ imaginations, a style that might interest those who enjoy Brian Selznick.
One of his books, Grandpa Green, tells the story of a young boy exploring his great-grandfather’s garden. Through the shapes of carefully sculpted topiary plants, the boy discovers memories from his grandpa’s adventurous life.
The illustrations, full of detail and emotion, beautifully complement the text and invite readers into a story of family, memory, and creativity.
Jon Scieszka is an author known for his playful, inventive approach to storytelling, blending humor and imagination to create memorable children’s literature.
His book The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, illustrated by Lane Smith, puts a quirky twist on classic fairy tales.
Scieszka reimagines familiar characters like Chicken Little and the Gingerbread Man through absurd, hilarious scenarios that turn traditional storytelling upside-down.
With its clever wit and engaging visual style, this book appeals to readers who enjoy Brian Selznick’s unique mix of creativity and storytelling charm.
David Wiesner is an author and illustrator known for imaginative picture books that blend fantasy, mystery, and dazzling visual storytelling. In his wordless book Flotsam, a curious boy on the beach finds an old underwater camera washed ashore.
When he develops the film, remarkable photographs show a whimsical undersea world filled with surreal wonders and odd sea creatures. Each surprising image has the power to intrigue and inspire curiosity, inviting readers into a world filled with creativity and adventure.
Fans of Brian Selznick’s rich visual narratives in books like The Invention of Hugo Cabret will appreciate Wiesner’s ability to tell enchanting stories through beautifully detailed illustrations alone.