If you enjoy reading books by Dan Santat then you might also like the following authors:
Oliver Jeffers is an author and illustrator known for creating heartfelt and imaginative picture books. One of his standout works is “Lost and Found,” which tells the story of a boy who discovers a penguin at his door.
The boy sets out on a journey to return the penguin to its home, but along the way, he realizes the penguin might not be lost after all. The story mixes whimsy with warmth, making it a touching tale about friendship and belonging.
Mo Willems is a master at creating heartwarming and funny children’s books that spark joy and connection. In “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale,” a little girl, Trixie, heads to the laundromat with her dad.
Her beloved stuffed bunny gets left behind, leading to a hilarious and relatable meltdown. The adventure that follows is both sweet and full of humor, capturing the small but meaningful moments of childhood.
The illustrations mix photography and drawings, which brings the story to life in a unique way. If you enjoy Dan Santat’s charm and creativity, Mo Willems’ stories might be a great match.
Mac Barnett is a children’s author known for his playful and clever stories. One of his books, “Extra Yarn,” tells the tale of a girl named Annabelle who finds a box of colorful yarn that never runs out.
She starts knitting sweaters for everyone and everything in her town, transforming the place in unexpected ways. It’s a story filled with warmth and a bit of magic, beautifully complemented by Jon Klassen’s illustrations.
If you enjoy imaginative and heartfelt stories, Mac Barnett’s work is worth exploring.
Peter H. Reynolds is an author and illustrator known for creating heartfelt stories with simple yet meaningful artwork. His book “The Dot” is about a girl named Vashti who feels she isn’t good at art.
Her teacher’s encouragement leads her to make a single dot on paper, which becomes the start of her creative journey. The story is about trying something new, even when you doubt yourself, and finding your own voice through small steps.
It’s the kind of book that leaves a lasting impression, especially for kids who feel unsure of their abilities. Fans of Dan Santat will appreciate Reynolds’ storytelling and vivid illustrations.
Aaron Becker is a storyteller who uses beautiful illustrations to bring his books to life. One of his standout works is “Journey,” where a girl, feeling overlooked at home, uses a red marker to draw a door on her bedroom wall and steps through it into a magical world.
The story unfolds without words, relying on the art to take readers through her adventures as she discovers new lands, faces danger, and encounters wonder. Becker’s detailed, imaginative settings invite readers to explore every page.
Christian Robinson is an illustrator and author known for creating heartfelt and imaginative picture books. One of his works, “Last Stop on Market Street,” written by Matt de la Peña, is a story about a boy named CJ and his grandma as they ride a city bus after church.
Through their journey, CJ begins to notice the world around him, from the people they meet to the sights out the window.
The book explores the idea of seeing beauty and purpose in unexpected places, and Robinson’s colorful and playful illustrations bring the story to life beautifully.
Jon Klassen creates picture books that have a dry, understated humor paired with simple but expressive illustrations. One of his popular books, “I Want My Hat Back,” follows a bear searching for his lost hat.
The story is quiet at first, with characters who seem polite and reserved, but there’s a twist that catches readers off guard in a way that’s both clever and darkly funny. Klassen’s books leave space for readers to figure things out on their own, which makes them fun to revisit.
Beatrice Alemagna is a talented author and illustrator known for her unique art style and heartfelt stories. One of her books, “The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy,” follows the story of a young girl named Eddie who sets out to find the perfect gift for her mother’s birthday.
Eddie hears about a mysterious object called a “fluffy squishy” and, without knowing exactly what it is, she embarks on a journey to track it down. Along the way, she meets quirky shopkeepers and explores her town, learning more about the people in her community.
The story is warm and full of charm, and the illustrations have a handmade, layered feel that brings Eddie’s world to life. Fans of Dan Santat’s heartfelt storytelling and creative visuals might enjoy Alemagna’s work.
Andrea Beaty writes picture books filled with fun characters and creative adventures. One of her popular books, “Ada Twist, Scientist,” follows a curious young girl named Ada who loves asking questions and solving mysteries.
Ada wonders about the world around her—why roses have thorns and how smells get into noses. The story shows her determination to figure things out, no matter the challenge.
Fans of Dan Santat’s lively and imaginative stories might enjoy Andrea Beaty’s vibrant characters and clever ideas.
Ryan T. Higgins is known for creating children’s books full of humor and heart, paired with illustrations that add charm to his stories. One of his popular books, “Mother Bruce,” tells the story of a grumpy bear named Bruce who enjoys living alone and cooking elaborate meals.
His life takes an unexpected turn when a batch of goose eggs he planned to eat hatches, leaving him stuck with a group of goslings who think he’s their mom. The story blends laughter with tender moments, making it fun for both kids and the adults reading with them.
Sophie Blackall is a two-time Caldecott Medal winner known for her heartfelt and imaginative work in children’s books. One of her books, “Hello Lighthouse,” tells the story of a lighthouse keeper living on a remote coast.
The book captures the quiet routines and small moments of his life. The illustrations create a sense of wonder, showing the beauty and isolation of the lighthouse. For readers who enjoy how Dan Santat blends art and emotion, Blackall’s work is worth exploring.
Eric Carle is an author and illustrator known for creating vibrant picture books that draw kids in with their bold artwork and simple yet imaginative stories.
One of his best-known books, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” follows a tiny caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before transforming into a butterfly.
The story includes colorful pages with holes where the caterpillar “ate,” and it’s designed to engage young readers with its unique style. It’s a charming way to explore growth and change through a playful and interactive approach.
Chris Van Dusen writes and illustrates picture books with colorful art and humor that kids love. One of his books, “If I Built a Car,” tells the story of a boy named Jack who imagines the ultimate car of his dreams.
It’s filled with wild inventions, like a swimming pool and a robot driver, all brought to life with vibrant illustrations. Fans of Dan Santat’s creativity and whimsy might enjoy Van Dusen’s fun storytelling and imaginative worlds.
David Wiesner is known for creating picture books that spark the imagination. One of his works, “Tuesday,” tells a playful and surreal story about frogs flying through the night on lily pads. The book has very few words, relying mostly on its illustrations to carry the story.
There’s a whimsical scene where frogs hover around a house, startling a man watching TV. Wiesner’s art creates a sense of wonder, and each page invites readers to look closer.
Leo Lionni was a picture book author and illustrator known for simple, heartfelt stories paired with beautiful artwork. One of his books, “Swimmy,” tells the story of a small black fish who faces dangers in the ocean.
Instead of giving up, Swimmy shows the other fish in his school how to work together to avoid predators. The book offers a creative solution to a problem in a way that feels magical, while staying grounded in the way kids think and feel.