If you enjoy reading books by Jon Klassen then you might also like the following authors:
Mac Barnett writes stories that are clever and fun, often with a little twist. If you enjoy Jon Klassen’s style, you’ll probably like Mac Barnett’s work too. One of his books, “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole,” is about two boys who decide to dig to find something spectacular.
As they dig, the treasure they’re looking for is always just out of reach, and the ending leaves plenty to think about. It’s the kind of story that feels simple but stays with you long after you read it.
Oliver Jeffers is an author and illustrator known for creating heartfelt and imaginative picture books. One of his stories, “How to Catch a Star,” follows a boy who dreams of owning a star.
He tries different ways to reach one—from climbing a tree to using a life raft—but nothing works as planned. The story captures the wonder of childhood dreams and determination without feeling overly complicated.
Jeffers combines simple storytelling with charming illustrations that bring his characters to life. Readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s books will likely appreciate the quiet humor and warmth in Jeffers’ work.
Carson Ellis is an illustrator and author known for creating picture books with a whimsical touch and unique style. Her book, “Du Iz Tak?”, is a great example of her work. It’s about a group of insects discovering a mysterious plant growing in their world.
The story is told entirely in a made-up language, which makes it fun to interpret and gives readers a chance to connect through the illustrations. Fans of Jon Klassen’s quirky and minimalistic stories might enjoy the quiet humor and visual storytelling in Ellis’s books.
Christian Robinson is a talented author and illustrator known for his vibrant and playful artwork. One of his books, “Last Stop on Market Street,” tells the story of a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they ride a city bus after church.
Through their journey, CJ begins to see his world in a new way, finding beauty and wonder in places he never noticed before. The illustrations bring the city and its characters to life, making the story feel warm and memorable.
Fans of Jon Klassen’s unique storytelling might enjoy Robinson’s fresh perspective and heartfelt tales.
Maurice Sendak is a beloved author and illustrator known for his imaginative and emotionally rich stories. One of his most famous books, “Where the Wild Things Are,” tells the story of Max, a boy who gets sent to bed without supper after causing trouble.
He escapes into a world of wild creatures and becomes their king. The book captures the wild nature of childhood and shows Max’s journey as he learns compassion and forgiveness.
Fans of Jon Klassen will likely appreciate the way Sendak balances whimsy and depth in his storytelling, paired with striking illustrations.
Beatrix Potter is best known for her charming children’s stories filled with animals who often find themselves in tricky situations.
One of her most famous books, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” follows the mischievous Peter as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden, where he faces danger while trying to grab some vegetables.
The story combines a sense of adventure with beautiful illustrations that bring Peter and his little blue coat to life. Fans of Jon Klassen’s work might enjoy the way Potter pairs humor with a touch of realism, all while keeping the stories light and enjoyable.
Chris Haughton is an author and illustrator known for picture books that are simple, witty, and full of charm. One of his books, “Oh No, George!”, tells the story of a lovable dog named George who tries his best to be good but struggles when faced with temptation.
The illustrations are bold and colorful, and the humor in George’s mishaps will appeal to fans of Jon Klassen’s style.
David Wiesner is an author and illustrator known for creating picture books that tell stories in unique and imaginative ways. One of his well-loved books, “Flotsam,” takes readers on a wordless adventure through stunning illustrations.
The story begins with a boy finding an old underwater camera washed up on the beach. When he develops the film inside, he discovers photographs of an incredible underwater world filled with flying fish, mechanical creatures, and astonishing sights.
Each page reveals something unexpected, pulling readers deeper into its visual journey. Fans of Jon Klassen’s work might enjoy Wiesner’s storytelling style, where pictures create as much meaning as the words themselves.
Lemony Snicket writes with a dry humor that turns dark situations into something strangely entertaining. His series, “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” follows the Baudelaire orphans as they navigate a life filled with misfortune after their parents’ deaths.
The first book, “The Bad Beginning,” introduces Count Olaf, a greedy villain who tries to steal their inheritance. The story unfolds with clever wordplay, mysterious twists, and a sense that not everything works out the way you hope it will.
Fans of Jon Klassen’s subtle wit might appreciate Snicket’s knack for blending whimsy and bleakness.
Mo Willems is an author and illustrator known for creating stories that feel simple but manage to carry so much emotion and humor. One of his best-loved books is “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”.
The story starts when a bus driver steps away and gives kids one clear instruction: don’t let the pigeon drive the bus. The pigeon then appears and tries every excuse and trick to convince the reader otherwise.
It’s funny, interactive, and it sparkles with the pigeon’s bold personality. Fans of Jon Klassen’s style might enjoy how Willems brings so much personality into his characters with so few words and minimal artwork.
Peter Brown writes stories that feel warm and imaginative, often pairing simple storytelling with deep emotion. In “The Wild Robot,” a robot named Roz washes up on a remote island and learns how to survive by adapting to the wild and befriending animals.
Through her journey, you see how she starts to connect with the natural world and the creatures around her. The book has a unique way of blending technology with nature, creating a world that feels both strange and familiar.
Fans of Jon Klassen may appreciate the quiet tone and heartfelt moments in Brown’s writing.
Lane Smith is a writer and illustrator known for clever stories with unique artwork. One of his books, “It’s a Book,” is about a donkey and a monkey who talk about the differences between a traditional book and modern technology.
The donkey, curious and tech-obsessed, keeps asking if the book can text or scroll. The monkey keeps saying, “No, it’s a book.” The humor comes from the donkey’s confusion and the monkey’s patience.
Fans of Jon Klassen might enjoy Lane Smith’s understated humor and simple, yet thought-provoking, storytelling.
Shaun Tan is an artist and writer known for his beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking stories. His book “The Arrival” tells the story of a man who leaves his home to find a better life in a strange new land.
The world he steps into is unfamiliar and full of odd creatures and environments. Through striking visual storytelling, the book captures the emotions of starting over in an unknown place.
Fans of Jon Klassen, who enjoy thoughtful and visually rich narratives, might find Shaun Tan’s work fascinating.
Drew Daywalt is an author known for fun and imaginative stories that kids and adults enjoy. One of his popular books is “The Day the Crayons Quit.” In this story, crayons write letters to a boy named Duncan, each sharing why they are unhappy.
Red is overworked, blue feels small, and beige is tired of being overlooked. The story blends humor and creativity, bringing the crayons’ personalities to life in a way that’s hard to resist.
Fans of Jon Klassen’s unique approach to storytelling might find Drew Daywalt’s work to be a great fit.
Kevin Henkes is a writer and illustrator known for creating heartfelt, thoughtful stories for kids. One of his books, “Kitten’s First Full Moon,” tells the tale of a curious kitten who mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk.
Determined to reach it, she ends up on a series of little adventures. The story has a quiet charm, with simple yet expressive illustrations that capture the kitten’s determination and innocence.
If you enjoy the subtle humor and gentle storytelling of Jon Klassen, Kevin Henkes might be worth checking out.