If you enjoy reading books by Jane O'Connor then you might also like the following authors:
Peggy Parish is best known for her “Amelia Bedelia” series, which features a housekeeper who takes instructions in hilariously literal ways. For example, in the first book, “Amelia Bedelia,” she is asked to dress a chicken, so she puts clothes on it.
The charm of these books lies in Amelia’s innocent misunderstandings and how she always manages to fix things in her own unique way. Parish’s stories are lighthearted and great for readers who enjoy humor and creative mischief, similar to the style of Jane O’Connor’s books.
Laura Numeroff creates fun stories that draw readers in with their playful humor and imaginative twists. One of her well-loved books, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” tells about a little mouse who keeps asking for more once he gets his first cookie.
Each request leads to something new, creating a chain of funny and unexpected events. It’s a story that keeps you turning pages, curious to see how things end up.
Doreen Cronin writes stories that blend humor with charm, perfect for readers who enjoy Jane O’Connor’s work.
One of her well-loved books, “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type,” tells the story of some clever cows who discover a typewriter and begin making demands from their farmer. The animals’ antics cause chaos on the farm, creating a playful battle of wits.
Cronin’s storytelling has a fun and simple style that captures the humor in unexpected situations.
Cynthia Rylant is an author known for her warm and heartfelt stories. One of her books, “The Storm”, is part of the Lighthouse Family series. It tells the story of a cat named Pandora and a dog named Seabold who live in a lighthouse by the sea.
Their calm life changes when a storm washes a little boat to their shore, bringing with it three orphaned mice. They take the mice in and create a new family together. The book is gentle, with a focus on kindness and the bonds that form between unlikely friends.
Lola M. Schaefer writes books for children, making everyday moments feel exciting and fun. One of her books, “Frankie Stein,” tells the story of a young monster who looks different from the rest of his spooky family.
Instead of being scary, he’s handsome and kind, which creates some funny and heartwarming situations as he tries to fit in. This story has a great mix of humor and sweetness, perfect for readers who enjoy Jane O’Connor’s light and engaging style.
Rosemary Wells is known for her warm and often funny children’s stories, many of which feature relatable characters and universal themes.
One of her books, “Max’s Chocolate Chicken,” follows Max, a little bunny, as he tries to outsmart his bossy sister, Ruby, during an Easter egg hunt. Ruby sticks to the rules, but Max has his own way of doing things, leading to a playful and mischievous adventure.
The story is full of charm, with illustrations that bring the sibling dynamic to life. Fans of Jane O’Connor might enjoy the humor and heart that Wells weaves into her tales.
Anna Dewdney is best known for her picture books that capture everyday emotions and experiences through relatable characters. In her book “Llama Llama Red Pajama,” a young llama feels nervous after his mama tucks him into bed and leaves the room.
His worries grow as he waits for her to return, emphasizing a child’s longing for comfort and reassurance. Dewdney’s storytelling is heartfelt, with a rhythm that makes her books easy to read aloud and connect with.
Fans of Jane O’Connor’s ability to tap into a child’s perspective may find a similar charm in Dewdney’s work.
Mo Willems is a fantastic children’s author and illustrator known for creating stories bursting with charm and humor. One of his beloved books, “We Are in a Book!”, follows Elephant and Piggie, two best friends who realize they are being read and have a lot of fun with it.
The characters interact with the reader in funny and surprising ways, breaking the fourth wall. Kids love how playful and silly it all feels while still being easy to follow.
Julie Andrews Edwards, best known as an actress, is also a talented author who writes enchanting stories for children. One of her books, “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles,” takes readers on a magical adventure.
It follows three siblings who work with a clever professor to travel to a fantastical land and meet the Whangdoodle, a creature with the ability to create anything it imagines. Along the way, they face challenges that test their courage and creativity.
The story highlights the power of imagination while being filled with unexpected twists.
Kevin Henkes writes stories that connect with kids in a way that feels warm and honest. His book “Chrysanthemum” tells the story of a little mouse who is proud of her unique name until she starts school.
At school, her classmates tease her about it, and she begins to feel small and unsure. The story shows how a kind teacher helps her regain her confidence and feel special again. It’s a sweet and relatable tale that celebrates individuality and kindness.
Henkes has a way of making characters feel real, and his stories often bring a smile.
Marjorie Sharmat is known for her engaging children’s books. One of her best-known works is “Nate the Great,” which follows a young detective named Nate who solves mysteries in his neighborhood with the help of his dog, Sludge.
In one story, he searches for his friend Annie’s missing painting, following quirky clues that lead him to surprising places. The stories have a simple charm, with fun characters and clever, easy-to-follow mysteries.
If you enjoy the humor and lighthearted feel of Jane O’Connor’s books, Marjorie Sharmat might be a good match.
Eileen Christelow is known for creating fun and engaging picture books for young readers. One of her standout books is “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.”
The story follows a group of mischievous monkeys who, despite being told to go to sleep, can’t resist jumping on their bed. Chaos unfolds as each monkey ends up hurt, and their poor mother has to call the doctor again and again.
It’s a playful story that captures all the energy and mischief of bedtime with little ones. The humor and rhyming text make it a joy to read aloud.
Tomie dePaola is a beloved author and illustrator known for his heartfelt and colorful stories. One of his standout books, “Strega Nona,” tells the tale of a kindly old woman who uses her magical pasta pot to help her village.
Trouble begins when her helper, Big Anthony, disobeys her instructions and chaos unfolds. The story blends humor and warmth, with illustrations that add so much charm. Fans of Jane O’Connor might enjoy the gentle humor and memorable characters in dePaola’s work.
Jan Brett is a children’s author and illustrator known for her rich artwork and classic storytelling. One of her books, “The Mitten,” is a retelling of a Ukrainian folktale.
After a young boy drops his white mitten in the snow, woodland animals squeeze into it one by one to escape the cold. The pictures show what’s happening in the boy’s world while also revealing the animals’ comical attempts to fit inside the mitten.
It’s a story that feels warm and imaginative, with detailed illustrations that make you want to stop and look carefully at each page.
Patricia Polacco writes heartfelt picture books that often draw from her own life and family experiences. One of her well-known books, “Thank You, Mr. Falker,” tells the story of a young girl named Trisha who struggles with reading.
She feels alone and ashamed until a kind teacher, Mr. Falker, helps her realize her potential. The story highlights the impact a caring teacher can have on a child’s life.
Polacco’s books often celebrate kindness, resilience, and the importance of family and teachers, much like Jane O’Connor’s works do.