If you enjoy reading books by David Wiesner then you might also like the following authors:
Chris Van Allsburg is an author and illustrator known for his imaginative picture books. One of his most famous works is “Jumanji,” where two children find a mysterious board game that brings wild animals and adventures into their home with every turn.
The story blends reality with fantasy in a way that’s thrilling, keeping readers on edge as the characters try to finish the game. His illustrations have a distinct, detailed style that pulls you right into the scenes, making the chaos and magic look real.
Shaun Tan is an artist and storyteller known for his beautiful, imaginative illustrations. One of his books, “The Arrival,” tells the story of a man who leaves his home to seek a new life in a foreign land.
The book shows his journey through wordless, detailed drawings that capture the feelings of being in a strange place. It features strange creatures, unfamiliar cityscapes, and everyday objects transformed into something extraordinary.
The story connects to the experience of immigration and discovery, pulling readers into the world he creates without a single word. If you enjoy David Wiesner’s visual storytelling, this might be a good fit for you.
Aaron Becker is a storyteller and illustrator who creates vivid, wordless picture books that draw readers into magical worlds. His book “Journey” follows a young girl who discovers a red crayon that allows her to draw doors and pathways into fantastical places.
She explores enchanted forests and sweeping castles, meeting challenges and wonders along the way. The story relies on stunning visuals to spark the imagination, similar to the works of David Wiesner.
Jerry Pinkney was a storyteller through pictures, known for his beautifully illustrated children’s books that often reimagined classic tales. One of his works, “The Lion & the Mouse,” is a wordless retelling of Aesop’s fable.
In the book, his detailed illustrations show the story of a mighty lion who spares a mouse’s life, only to have the favor returned when the mouse frees him from a trap.
Each page feels alive with emotion, and the artwork brings the savanna and its characters to life in a way that draws readers into the story.
Maurice Sendak is a celebrated author and illustrator known for his imaginative stories and unique art style. One of his most famous books, “Where the Wild Things Are,” tells the story of Max, a boy who is sent to bed without supper.
Max’s room transforms into a forest, and he sails to a land of wild creatures who crown him their king. The story is filled with adventure and captures the feelings of childhood frustration and imagination in a way that pulls readers into Max’s world.
Sendak’s detailed illustrations bring the characters to life and make the book unforgettable.
Erin Stead is an illustrator known for her gentle and thoughtful artwork. One of her books, “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” written by Philip C. Stead, tells the story of Amos, a kind zookeeper who always takes the time to care for his animal friends.
When Amos becomes sick and can’t make it to work, the animals decide to visit him instead. The book’s drawings feel warm and personal, making each page a joy to look at. It’s a quiet, heartfelt story that highlights friendship and care in a simple, meaningful way.
Molly Idle is an author and illustrator known for her beautifully drawn picture books. One of her works, “Flora and the Flamingo,” tells the story of a young girl and a flamingo as they learn to dance together.
Through pages filled with soft illustrations and flaps that reveal subtle movements, their delicate friendship grows without a single word. The book feels like a quiet choreography, where every detail adds to the story.
Fans of David Wiesner’s picture books might enjoy the way Molly Idle’s art speaks so much without saying anything at all.
Lane Smith is an author and illustrator known for his unique approach to storytelling through imaginative artwork. One of his books, “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” turns traditional fairy tales upside down.
Instead of the usual happily-ever-afters, it’s filled with stories where things go hilariously wrong. For instance, there’s a version of “The Gingerbread Man” featuring a smelly piece of cheese that nobody wants to chase.
The book also plays with how a picture book is made, with characters interrupting and breaking the flow in funny ways. It’s quirky and unpredictable, making it a memorable read.
Anthony Browne is a writer and illustrator known for creating picture books that mix ordinary life with surreal twists. One of his works, “The Tunnel,” tells the story of a brother and sister who don’t get along. One day, they discover a dark tunnel.
The brother dares to go in first and disappears, leading the sister to follow him. What happens next is strange and full of surprises. Browne’s books often feel mysterious and show how imagination can change everything.
If you enjoy David Wiesner’s work, you might find Browne’s stories and illustrations a great match.
Jon Klassen is an author and illustrator known for creating stories that feel quiet but are full of depth. One of his books, “I Want My Hat Back,” tells the story of a bear who is on a straightforward mission to find his missing hat.
The dialogue-driven narrative is simple, yet it carries a dry humor that makes it stand out. As the bear searches, he comes across other animals who each have their own quirks, and the resolution has a perfect mix of surprise and wit.
Fans of David Wiesner’s visual storytelling might enjoy the way Klassen uses minimal words and expressive illustrations to tell so much.
Eric Rohmann is an author and illustrator known for his beautifully crafted picture books. One of his standout works, “My Friend Rabbit,” tells the story of a rabbit with the best intentions that always seem to lead to trouble.
When Rabbit borrows his friend’s toy airplane, chaos follows as he tries to fix a problem he accidentally caused. The book combines a warm, playful story with bold, colorful illustrations that draw you in immediately.
Fans of David Wiesner’s rich visual storytelling might enjoy Rohmann’s ability to tell a lot through his art.
Barbara Lehman creates picture books where the illustrations tell the story without words. Her book, “The Red Book,” is a perfect example. It follows the journey of a magical red book that connects two children from different parts of the world.
One child finds the book in the snow, and as they flip through the pages, they see another child on an island who also has the book. The story unfolds visually, drawing you into a quiet and imaginative adventure.
Fans of David Wiesner’s storytelling style might really enjoy Lehman’s work.
Peter Sís is an author and illustrator known for creating picture books that blend intricate artwork with rich storytelling. One of his standout works, “The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain,” is a memoir about his childhood in Cold War-era Czechoslovakia.
It shares how his love for art helped him navigate the challenges of growing up in a world controlled by propaganda and restrictions. The book uses detailed illustrations to convey both the personal and historical moments of that time.
Fans of David Wiesner will appreciate the way Sís uses visual storytelling to enhance the narrative.
Marla Frazee is a talented author and illustrator known for her warm, detailed artwork and stories that feel both playful and heartfelt. One of her books, “The Farmer and the Clown,” captures a touching story without using a single word.
It begins when a grumpy farmer finds a lost clown child from a traveling circus. As the two spend time together, they slowly form a bond that shows how kindness can connect unlikely people. The illustrations carry all the emotion, and each page feels like its own little story.
Fans of David Wiesner’s visual storytelling might enjoy how Frazee also lets pictures take center stage.
Mark Teague is an author and illustrator known for creating imaginative picture books with vibrant artwork. In his book “The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf,” he retells the classic pig story with fun twists and humorous details.
The pigs each build their houses, but their personalities shine in how they spend their time and choose their materials. The wolf, rather than being purely evil, has quirks and motivations that add to his character.
It’s a story that plays with the familiar while offering something fresh.