If you enjoy reading books by Jerry Pinkney then you might also like the following authors:
Eric Carle was a picture book author and illustrator known for his colorful and bold artwork. One of his most beloved books, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, tells the story of a tiny caterpillar who eats through a variety of foods over several days.
As he eats, he grows bigger, and the story ends with him transforming into a beautiful butterfly. The book combines simple storytelling with vivid illustrations that capture the movement and change in the caterpillar’s journey.
Brian Pinkney is an illustrator and writer who creates beautiful and energetic books for children, often telling stories rooted in history, culture, and imagination. One of his standout books is “The Adventures of Sparrowboy.”
It’s about a paperboy named Henry who gets superpowers after a magical encounter with a bird. The story weaves together everyday life and a superhero twist, showing Henry’s new role in helping his community.
Fans of Jerry Pinkney’s engaging storytelling might appreciate Brian’s distinctive style and vibrant, expressive artwork.
Ashley Bryan was an artist and author known for celebrating African and African American culture in his work. One of his books, “Beautiful Blackbird,” is a vibrant retelling of a Zambian folktale. In the story, all the birds are colorful except for Blackbird, who is plain black.
Yet, the other birds admire him and ask for a touch of his color. The tale highlights themes of self-love and beauty, told through rhythmic language and striking paper-cut illustrations.
Patricia Polacco is an author and illustrator known for her heartfelt stories and beautiful artwork. One of her books, “Thank You, Mr. Falker,” tells the story of a young girl named Trisha who struggles with reading but hides her difficulties out of embarrassment.
It’s a story about a teacher who helps her see her true potential. The book captures her journey as she overcomes her challenges and gains confidence. Polacco brings her personal experiences into her stories, creating tales that feel real and relatable.
David Wiesner is an author and illustrator known for wordless or nearly wordless picture books filled with imagination and vivid illustrations. One of his standout works, “Tuesday,” takes readers on a strange journey when frogs on lily pads begin flying through a small town.
The story unfolds in pictures, showing the frogs gliding past houses and startling residents. It’s playful and full of surprises, inviting readers to look closer with every page.
If you enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s storytelling and visual style, Wiesner’s books could offer something similarly captivating.
Kadir Nelson is an artist and author who brings history and culture to life through his vivid illustrations. One of his books, “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans,” tells the journey of African American history through the voice of an elderly narrator.
The book shares key moments, from slavery to civil rights, with personal stories woven in. The illustrations and storytelling combine to create a moving experience that connects readers to the past in a deeply human way.
Faith Ringgold is a storyteller and artist who creates books that blend history, culture, and art. One of her most well-known books, “Tar Beach,” is about a young girl named Cassie.
Cassie dreams of flying over 1939 Harlem, imagining the rooftops and cityscape as her own magical escape. The story feels warm and personal, showing a child’s perspective on family, community, and hope.
Ringgold also illustrates her books with quilt-inspired art, and every page is vibrant and full of life.
Leo and Diane Dillon were a husband-and-wife team who created stunning illustrations for many children’s books. Their work often blended cultures and traditions into beautiful, unique art.
One of their books, “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears,” retells an African folktale about a mosquito that causes a chain of events leading to chaos in the animal kingdom.
The story is full of animals like a lion, a monkey, and an owl, each reacting as the situation spirals out of control. The illustrations are bold and colorful, bringing the tale to life.
Fans of Jerry Pinkney might enjoy their artistic style and the way they bring folklore into vivid focus.
Mo Willems is a children’s author and illustrator known for creating stories filled with humor and heart. In “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”, a bus driver steps away and asks readers to keep an eye on the pigeon.
The pigeon, full of personality, tries every trick to convince readers to let him drive. The story feels interactive, with the pigeon’s hilarious pleas and expressions drawing kids right into the fun.
If you enjoy the warmth and charm found in Jerry Pinkney’s work, Willems might be a great next choice.
Maurice Sendak was an author and illustrator known for creating stories that blend imagination with a touch of mischief.
One of his most famous works, “Where the Wild Things Are,” follows a boy named Max who misbehaves at home and ends up traveling to a world filled with mysterious creatures called the Wild Things. Max becomes their king but soon realizes he misses the comfort of home.
The story captures childhood emotions and adventure with vibrant illustrations and memorable characters, making it a favorite for generations of readers.
Aaron Becker is an author and illustrator known for creating beautifully drawn, wordless picture books that tell powerful stories through images alone.
In his book “Journey,” a lonely girl uses a red crayon to draw a door on her bedroom wall, stepping into a magical world filled with castles, rivers, and flying ships. The story is full of imagination and adventure as she navigates this new place, finding both danger and wonder.
Fans of Jerry Pinkney will appreciate the detailed artwork that brings every page to life.
Javaka Steptoe is an author and artist who creates children’s books that are vibrant and heartfelt. His picture book “Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat” tells the story of Basquiat, a boy with a love for art and big dreams.
The book follows his journey from drawing on scraps of paper to becoming a groundbreaking artist who changed the way people viewed art. Steptoe uses bold, textured illustrations, inspired by Basquiat’s own style, to capture the energy and emotion of the artist’s world.
It’s a story about creativity, struggles, and the power of imagination.
E.B. Lewis is a talented illustrator known for his beautiful and heartfelt artwork in children’s books. One of his standout works is “Each Kindness,” written by Jacqueline Woodson. The book tells the story of a girl named Chloe, who ignores and excludes a new student, Maya.
As the story unfolds, Chloe realizes the impact of her actions and the missed opportunity to show kindness. The watercolor illustrations add depth to the emotions, reflecting the lessons in a way that sticks with readers.
Ezra Jack Keats was an author and illustrator who created stories that celebrated everyday life. One of his most beloved books, “The Snowy Day,” follows a young boy named Peter as he steps outside to explore the first snowfall.
Peter makes footprints, tries to save a snowball in his pocket, and marvels at how the world looks covered in white. It’s a quiet, simple story filled with warmth and the wonder of childhood.
Readers who enjoy the heartfelt and beautifully illustrated stories of Jerry Pinkney might find Keats’ work equally enjoyable.
Chris Van Allsburg is an author and illustrator known for his imaginative picture books. One of his most well-loved stories is “The Polar Express.” In it, a young boy boards a magical train that takes him to the North Pole.
The journey is filled with wonder, and the boy experiences something truly extraordinary when he gets there. Van Allsburg’s illustrations draw you into the world, making it feel real and full of possibilities.
If you enjoy beautifully crafted stories with a touch of magic, his work is worth exploring.