If you enjoy reading books by Jeff Smith then you might also like the following authors:
Kazu Kibuishi is a graphic novelist known for creating stories with imaginative worlds and heartfelt characters. His series, “Amulet,” begins with a family moving into an old house after a tragedy.
Emily, the young heroine, discovers a strange amulet that leads her and her brother into a hidden world filled with danger and strange allies.
The book combines adventure, mystery, and gorgeous artwork that pulls readers into its world, making it a must-read for fans of Jeff Smith’s “Bone.”
Raina Telgemeier writes graphic novels that feel real and packed with heart. One of her books, “Drama,” tells the story of Callie, a middle schooler working on her school’s theater production.
Callie doesn’t have a great singing voice, but her passion for set design drives her to build an incredible stage. Along the way, she navigates friendships, crushes, and the challenges of putting on a show.
The mix of personal struggles and creative problem-solving makes the story easy to get into, especially if you like character-driven stories with a lot of humor and heart, like Jeff Smith’s work.
Dav Pilkey is a writer known for hilarious and entertaining stories, often paired with fun illustrations. One of his most popular books is “The Adventures of Captain Underpants.”
It follows two mischievous kids, George and Harold, who accidentally turn their school principal into a superhero wearing a cape and underpants. Their antics lead to wild adventures filled with laughter and unexpected twists.
Fans of Jeff Smith’s humor in “Bone” might enjoy Dav Pilkey for his creative storytelling and quirky characters.
Noelle Stevenson is a storyteller known for creating fun and imaginative worlds with heartfelt characters. One of their standout works is “Nimona,” a graphic novel that blends humor with adventure.
The story follows a mischievous young shapeshifter named Nimona, who becomes the sidekick to the not-so-villainous Lord Ballister Blackheart. Together, they set out to expose the dark truths about the kingdom’s heroes and leaders.
The dynamic between Nimona’s impulsiveness and Blackheart’s calculated approach makes the story engaging and full of surprises. The art style is vibrant and complements the mix of action and wit in the story.
Bryan Lee O’Malley is a writer and artist known for his imaginative graphic novels. One of his standout works is “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” The book follows Scott, a slacker in his early twenties, who tries to win the heart of Ramona Flowers.
To do that, he has to fight her seven evil exes. The story blends everyday struggles with over-the-top action, throwing in a lot of humor and charm. O’Malley’s style mixes quirky characters, memorable dialogue, and a strong sense of fun.
Art Spiegelman is best known for his graphic novel “Maus,” which tells the story of his father’s experiences as a Jewish man during the Holocaust. The book uses a unique approach by depicting Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, creating a powerful visual metaphor.
It shifts between his father’s harrowing past and Spiegelman’s own struggles trying to understand and document it. The mix of personal history and dark humor provides a perspective on survival, memory, and family relationships.
Gene Luen Yang is a writer and artist who creates stories that blend heartfelt emotion with sharp humor. One of his standout works is “American Born Chinese.” The book explores identity and culture through three different stories that come together in a surprising way.
One storyline follows Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy dealing with prejudice and trying to fit in at school. Another focuses on the Monkey King, a legendary figure from Chinese folklore, who struggles with his pride and his place in the world.
The third introduces Danny, a high schooler whose life is upended when his embarrassing cousin, Chin-Kee, comes to visit. The way these stories connect is really unique and makes you think about how identity shapes us.
Mike Mignola is known for his unique art style and storytelling in graphic novels. One of his standout works is “Hellboy: Seed of Destruction.” The story introduces Hellboy, a demon summoned to Earth during World War II, raised to fight against supernatural threats.
In this book, he uncovers his mysterious origins while facing ancient creatures and unraveling dark secrets tied to his destiny. The mix of folklore, mythical creatures, and action creates a rich world that pulls you in from the start.
Craig Thompson is a graphic novelist known for creating deeply emotional and visually rich stories. One of his most recognized works is “Blankets.” It’s a coming-of-age story about a young boy named Craig, his first love, and his struggles with faith and family.
The artwork is beautiful, with flowing panels that bring tender and bittersweet moments to life. Fans of Jeff Smith might enjoy how Thompson pairs heartfelt storytelling with detailed illustrations.
Bill Watterson is the creator of the “Calvin and Hobbes” comic series, which follows the imaginative adventures of a young boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes.
The pair embark on wild escapades, jumping between everyday life and incredible fantasy worlds created by Calvin’s vivid imagination.
In “The Essential Calvin and Hobbes,” readers will find a collection of strips featuring Calvin’s quirky take on school, friendship, and the universe.
His daydreams often blur the line between reality and fantasy, with moments like transforming into Spaceman Spiff or battling household chores as a superhero. Watterson uses humor and a sharp eye to explore childhood in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.
Joe Hill writes stories that mix the strange with the emotional in ways that stick with you. One of his standout works is “Horns.” The book follows a man named Ig, who wakes up with devilish horns after being accused of a horrible crime.
As the horns give him the power to uncover people’s darkest secrets, Ig sets out to find the truth about what happened to the woman he loved. It’s eerie and packed with surprises, but it also has real heart.
Charles Vess is an illustrator and storyteller known for bringing worlds of fantasy to life with his art.
One of his works, “Stardust,” written with Neil Gaiman, tells the story of Tristan, a young man from a quiet village who ventures into a magical land to retrieve a fallen star for the girl he loves.
What he finds instead is a living star, a woman named Yvaine, who changes the course of his journey. The book is filled with wonder, danger, and vivid characters, all heightened by Vess’s detailed illustrations that make the world feel alive.
Fans of Jeff Smith’s attention to character and fantastical settings might enjoy exploring Vess’s enchanting creations.
Neil Gaiman is a storyteller known for creating vivid worlds and unforgettable characters. One of his books, “The Graveyard Book,” begins with a chilling event that leads a toddler to take refuge in a graveyard.
Raised by ghosts and a mysterious guardian, the boy, Nobody Owens, grows up surrounded by supernatural secrets and dangers. The story blends heartwarming relationships with eerie adventures, offering twists and moments that feel magical and strange.
If you enjoy stories that mix fantasy and heartfelt moments, Gaiman might be a perfect choice.
Shaun Tan is an artist and storyteller known for blending surreal artwork with thought-provoking narratives. One of his standout books, “The Arrival,” tells the story of a man who leaves his family and travels to a foreign land in search of a better future.
The book is wordless, relying entirely on stunning illustrations to capture the emotions of isolation, wonder, and hope. The world he creates feels strange yet familiar, with strange creatures and unfamiliar landscapes showing the confusion of entering a new culture.
It’s a deeply human tale that resonates without a single word.
Tove Jansson is known for creating the magical world of the Moomins. Her books blend whimsy with deeper themes about life and relationships. In “Moominpappa’s Memoirs,” Moominpappa shares the adventures of his youth and his encounters with eccentric characters.
There’s a playful inventiveness to the story, but beneath that, it touches on identity and self-discovery. Fans of Jeff Smith’s ability to build imaginative worlds with heart might enjoy the charm of Jansson’s storytelling.