Jerry Pinkney was an acclaimed illustrator known for children's picture books. His beautifully detailed illustrations brought classics like The Lion & the Mouse and Noah's Ark to life, earning him widespread praise and prestigious awards.
If you enjoy reading books by Jerry Pinkney then you might also like the following authors:
Leo and Diane Dillon were a talented husband-and-wife illustrator team known for their beautiful, imaginative picture books. If you enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s rich storytelling and vibrant illustrations, you might appreciate the Dillons’ work too.
One excellent example of their style is Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears, a West African folk tale retold by Verna Aardema and illustrated brilliantly by the Dillons. The book explores an entertaining chain of events set off by a mosquito’s silly lie.
Their vibrant art brings out the humor, drama, and beauty of traditional storytelling.
Kadir Nelson is a talented artist and author known for his remarkable illustrations that vividly bring history and culture to life. Readers who appreciate Jerry Pinkney’s detailed and expressive art will likely be drawn to Nelson’s careful storytelling and powerful imagery.
In his book We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Nelson uses rich, lifelike paintings combined with engaging narration to recount the storied past of African American baseball teams.
He explores the challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable characters that shaped Negro League Baseball, making history tangible and relatable page after page.
Nelson’s work celebrates resilience and spirit through art and words, offering readers both visual wonder and insightful storytelling.
Readers who enjoy the imaginative stories and expressive illustrations of Jerry Pinkney may also appreciate the work of Brian Pinkney. Brian Pinkney crafts vivid children’s books with engaging tales and bright, flowing artwork that pulls readers into the adventure.
In The Adventures of Sparrowboy, Brian Pinkney tells a story about Henry, a young paperboy who unexpectedly gains special powers after an encounter with a sparrow.
Through vibrant illustrations and a playful plot, readers follow along as Henry discovers how to use his newfound abilities for good.
For fans of Jerry Pinkney’s heartfelt storytelling style and lively art, Brian Pinkney’s books offer entertaining narratives filled with warmth and energy.
Floyd Cooper was a talented author and illustrator known for his warm, lifelike paintings and heartfelt storytelling. Fans of Jerry Pinkney’s detailed illustrations and meaningful narratives will appreciate Cooper’s book Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre.
The book shares the powerful yet little-known history of the Tulsa massacre of 1921, seen through the experiences of the thriving African American community of Greenwood, Oklahoma.
Cooper’s sensitive and striking illustrations vividly portray what was lost, allowing readers to connect with history on a deeply personal level.
Like Pinkney, Floyd Cooper excelled in weaving visual artistry into important historical stories, making them accessible and memorable for readers of all ages.
Readers who enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s expressive illustrations and thoughtful storytelling might appreciate Bryan Collier’s vibrant art and heartfelt narratives.
Collier often blends painting and collage in his illustrations, creating vivid images that highlight African American history and culture.
His book Uptown vividly captures the energy and beauty of Harlem, seen through the eyes of a young boy who takes readers on a lively tour of his neighborhood.
With colorful visuals and engaging details, Collier’s work brings urban scenes to life in a way that fans of Pinkney may find both familiar and refreshing.
Ashley Bryan was an author and illustrator celebrated for vibrant stories rooted in African folktales, tradition, and poetry. Readers who enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s expressive storytelling and distinctive artwork will find Bryan’s books equally engaging.
In Beautiful Blackbird, Bryan reimagines a traditional African tale of a colorful group of birds who admire Blackbird as the most beautiful bird. They all beg Blackbird to share his beauty.
Through his use of bold, symbolic images and rhythmic language, Bryan explores themes of self-worth, appreciation of differences, and community pride. The story unfolds with a simplicity and warmth that stays memorable long after the last page.
Readers who enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s beautiful illustrations and rich storytelling will likely appreciate Tomie dePaola’s heartfelt tales.
DePaola is an author and illustrator who creates charming, vibrant stories that tap into family traditions, folklore, and the warmth of everyday experiences.
One of his treasured books is Strega Nona, the delightful story of a kind but magical old woman called Strega Nona, whose enchanted pasta pot causes humorous chaos in her village.
The blend of playful incidents, engaging characters, and gentle lessons, along with dePaola’s distinctive art style, makes it a joy to read time and again.
If you enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s rich storytelling and beautiful illustrations, Patricia Polacco is an author you’ll want to explore. Her books often weave in family and personal history, inviting readers into her heartwarming tales.
One standout is Thank You, Mr. Falker, a story inspired by Polacco’s own childhood struggles. It follows Trisha, a young girl who loves stories but finds it hard to read, until her encouraging teacher steps in to help.
Polacco blends emotional depth and relatable characters with lovely, expressive artwork. Her stories, filled with kindness and courage, resonate with readers both young and old.
David Wiesner is an imaginative author and illustrator known for picture books filled with enchanting visuals and creative storytelling. If you enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s richly illustrated tales, you might also appreciate Wiesner’s book Flotsam.
This wordless picture book features a boy who finds an old camera washed ashore. When he develops the photographs, they reveal magical, surreal images from beneath the ocean waves—and a fascinating mystery unfolds.
The illustrations are detailed and vivid, inviting readers to explore and interpret the story in their own way. Each page offers something new and surprising, pulling readers back again and again to uncover hidden details.
If you enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s beautifully illustrated and imaginative children’s stories, you might also appreciate Chris Van Allsburg. Van Allsburg creates captivating picture books filled with richly detailed artwork and mysterious, thought-provoking storylines.
His book The Polar Express tells the magical story of a young boy who boards a midnight train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The journey takes him through snowy mountains and darkened forests until he arrives at a city alive with holiday magic, where one special gift teaches him the meaning and wonder of believing.
Chris Van Allsburg’s stories blend wonder, imagination, and warmth in a way that draws readers in close.
Allen Say is an author and illustrator known for his thoughtfully illustrated children’s books that explore culture, heritage, and personal identity.
Readers who enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s detailed and expressive illustrations might be drawn to Allen Say’s gentle storytelling style and beautiful artwork. A good starting point is Grandfather’s Journey, a picture book inspired by Say’s own family history.
It follows a young man’s travels from Japan to America, his discoveries in a new land, and eventually his desire to return to the place he was born.
The narrative balances themes of adventure, identity, and belonging, giving a heartfelt perspective on what it feels like to have your heart in two different cultures.
Jon J Muth is an author and illustrator who creates gentle reflections on storytelling, friendship, and compassion through stunning visual art.
If you’ve appreciated Jerry Pinkney’s beautifully illustrated tales filled with warmth and thoughtful storytelling, you might find a similar charm in Muth’s picture books.
One wonderful example is Zen Shorts, a story about three children who encounter a wise panda named Stillwater. With patience and humor, the panda shares short stories rooted in Zen teachings that encourage kindness and a deeper understanding of life’s everyday moments.
The soft watercolor illustrations and meaningful tales together create a lovely exploration of thoughtfulness and wonder.
Readers who enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s beautifully detailed and expressive illustrations will likely appreciate the work of Raúl Colón. Colón is known for warm, textured artwork full of emotion and imagination.
In his book Draw! , he tells the story entirely through pictures, without a single word. The tale follows a young boy trapped in bed by illness, who uses his sketchbook to travel to the plains of Africa.
Lions, elephants, and other amazing animals come to life through Colón’s vibrant drawings, taking readers on a visual journey filled with wonder and adventure.
If you enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s beautifully illustrated children’s books, you’ll appreciate the storytelling and artistry of Sophie Blackall. Her warm, imaginative illustrations and thoughtful stories create engaging worlds for young readers.
In her book Hello Lighthouse, Blackall tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his family, focusing on their daily life and the changing seasons by the sea. The book paints vivid pictures of storms, quiet moments, and the gentle rhythm of their lives.
Blackall’s detailed artwork captures the hope and comfort found in life’s small, everyday events, a style sure to resonate with fans of Pinkney’s heartfelt narratives.
Readers who enjoy Jerry Pinkney’s beautifully illustrated children’s books might also appreciate Erin E. Stead’s gentle storytelling and delicate artwork. Stead creates stories full of warmth and soft imagination, evident in her charming book A Sick Day for Amos McGee.
In this lovely tale, Amos McGee, a kind zookeeper devoted to his animal friends, takes the time each day to provide thoughtful companionship to each creature in his care. When Amos falls ill and can’t work, his animal friends decide it’s their turn to support and comfort him.
With delicate illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, Stead explores friendship, care, and kindness in ways fans of Pinkney will certainly value.