If you enjoy reading books by Jon Klassen then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Mac Barnett often pair quirky humor with clever storytelling. If you’re fond of Jon Klassen’s unique illustrations and dry wit, you’ll also enjoy the collaboration between these two creators in “Extra Yarn.”
This picture book tells the story of Annabelle, a girl who discovers a box containing an endless supply of bright, colorful yarn. She knits sweaters for everyone and everything in her dreary, gray town, bringing warmth and color to her community.
But things take a curious turn when an archduke arrives, determined to get his hands on Annabelle’s extraordinary box. Barnett’s straightforward yet whimsical narrative pairs perfectly with Klassen’s illustrations, creating a charming tale about creativity and generosity.
Readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s quirky characters and dry humor will appreciate Oliver Jeffers. Jeffers is an author and illustrator known for his whimsical style and thoughtful storytelling.
His picture book, “Lost and Found,” tells the story of a young boy who discovers a penguin at his front door. Convinced the penguin is lost, the boy sets off on a heartfelt journey to return his new companion home.
Their adventure unfolds with gentle charm, exploring friendship, loneliness, and belonging in a warm and playful way. Jeffers’ delightful illustrations and quiet humor create a sweet narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Books by Carson Ellis charm readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s distinctive artwork and clever storytelling. Ellis blends expressive illustrations with imaginative tales full of thoughtful detail.
For instance, in “Du Iz Tak?”, Ellis takes readers on a whimsical journey through the miniature world of insects who speak in their own unforgettable language. The beautifully illustrated scenes slowly unfold into a charmingly curious mystery of natural wonder.
Fans of Klassen’s subtle humor and artful visuals will feel right at home in Ellis’s gentle narratives and engaging pictures.
Books illustrated by Christian Robinson have a playful charm readers of Jon Klassen might enjoy. Robinson’s artwork is bright and bold, with simple shapes and expressive characters.
In “Last Stop on Market Street,” written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Robinson, a young boy named CJ rides the bus with his grandma across town.
He wonders aloud why they don’t have a car or why he doesn’t own fancy things, and his grandma gently shows him how to find beauty in everyday moments and people.
Robinson’s art captures city life in vibrant colors and thoughtful detail, turning an ordinary bus ride into an uplifting journey.
Maurice Sendak is an author and illustrator known for his imaginative children’s books that explore complex feelings in simple and powerful ways. Readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s subtle humor and expressive illustrations may appreciate Sendak’s thoughtful and unique style.
In his book “Where the Wild Things Are,” Sendak tells the story of a boy named Max who, after his mother sends him to bed without supper, imagines himself sailing off to a faraway land full of monsters called Wild Things.
Max becomes the king of these creatures and enjoys adventures with them, but eventually feels the tug of home. The story explores freedom, imagination, and the comfort of family in a way that resonates with both children and adults.
Sendak’s illustrations bring the Wild Things to life, balancing their monstrous appearances with a playful charm.
Beatrix Potter is a classic children’s author and illustrator known for her gentle humor, subtle storytelling, and expressive artwork. For readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s clever narratives and charming illustrations, Potter offers a glimpse into a similarly thoughtful approach.
In her much-loved book “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” readers meet an adventurous rabbit named Peter who ignores his mother’s warnings. Peter ventures into Mr. McGregor’s enticing vegetable garden.
Mischief follows, as Peter faces unexpected challenges and narrow escapes, bringing charm, warmth, and a touch of humor to each page.
Potter’s detailed, delicate drawings pair perfectly with her subtle storytelling style, making her books timeless choices for readers who like Jon Klassen.
Chris Haughton is an Irish author and illustrator known for stories that combine humor, warmth, and beautiful visuals. If you enjoy Jon Klassen’s style, you’re likely to appreciate Haughton’s book “Shh! We Have a Plan.”
The story features a group of friends who quietly set out through the forest to capture a colorful bird. Each attempt at their carefully organized plan goes humorously awry, leading from one mishap to another.
The rhythm and repetition in the text complement the vibrant illustrations, giving young readers something to laugh about while adults will smile at the humor beneath the playful surface.
David Wiesner is an author and illustrator known for imaginative picture books with stunning, immersive visuals. His wordless storytelling style invites readers to explore richly detailed worlds created through vivid watercolor paintings.
In his book “Flotsam,” a young boy finds an old camera washed up on the beach.
When he develops the film, he uncovers mesmerizing photos of underwater worlds filled with strange and whimsical scenes—octopuses lounging on sofas, fish swimming past cities made of shells, turtles bearing tiny towns on their backs.
For fans of Jon Klassen’s clever visual humor and imaginative narratives, Wiesner offers a similar charm through captivating illustrations that lead readers into curious and playful worlds.
Lemony Snicket is the pen name of Daniel Handler, an author known for witty storytelling partnered with clever illustrations and quirky humor.
His series “A Series of Unfortunate Events” explores the lives of three orphaned siblings who face outrageous difficulties after losing their parents.
The first book, “The Bad Beginning,” introduces Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, whose gloomy adventures begin when they are placed in the care of Count Olaf. Olaf is an eccentric distant relative with a sinister plan to seize the children’s inheritance.
Fans of Jon Klassen’s dark humor, playful storytelling, and charming illustrations may find Lemony Snicket’s imaginative and quirky world endlessly enjoyable.
Books by Mo Willems offer a playful humor and gentle wisdom readers may enjoy if they appreciate Jon Klassen’s style.
In “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”, Willems introduces readers to a determined pigeon who tries various clever ways to convince readers to allow him behind the wheel. The pigeon’s humorous persistence and expressive illustrations make the book charmingly memorable.
Fans of storytelling that uses simple illustrations and understated comedy, such as Klassen’s “I Want My Hat Back,” might find themselves happily drawn into Mo Willems’ whimsical worlds.
Readers who enjoy Jon Klassen might also appreciate Peter Brown’s playful storytelling and charming illustrations. Brown’s book “Mr. Tiger Goes Wild” tells the story of Mr. Tiger, a polite yet restless tiger tired of the strict etiquette in his community.
He decides he needs a change. He abandons his stuffy city clothing and heads to the wilderness. As Mr. Tiger discovers his wild side, Brown beautifully captures the humor, freedom, and challenges that come with being true to oneself.
The vivid artwork and inviting storytelling celebrate individuality and adventure, qualities that fans of Klassen will likely find delightful.
Lane Smith is an author and illustrator known for his distinctive illustrations and imaginative storytelling. If you enjoy Jon Klassen’s dry humor and subtle storytelling, Smith’s book “It’s a Book” offers a perfect mix of wit and simplicity.
The story revolves around a monkey absorbed in a book and his friend, a tech-obsessed donkey, puzzled by the mysterious object. Through clever humor and charming art, Smith explores the joy and simplicity of reading in an amusing and relatable way.
Readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s subtle storytelling and expressive illustrations might also appreciate Shaun Tan’s thoughtful and imaginative work. Tan is an Australian author and illustrator known for stories that blend surreal imagery with deep emotional themes.
In his wordless graphic novel, “The Arrival,” he portrays the journey of an immigrant through striking and dreamlike illustrations. The story explores themes of displacement, belonging, and the beauty of human connections in a new and unfamiliar land.
Shaun Tan carefully creates a quiet, emotionally rich world reminiscent of the gentle humor and understated depth found in Klassen’s books.
Drew Daywalt is a children’s author known for stories that pair quirky humor with playful illustrations. If you enjoyed Jon Klassen’s charming visuals and subtle humor, you might appreciate Daywalt’s “The Day the Crayons Quit.”
In this book, a frustrated boy named Duncan opens his crayon box only to discover letters from each color, each crayon fed up with their particular job.
Blue is tired of coloring oceans, Beige feels overlooked next to Brown, and Peach is embarrassed because its paper wrapper is missing. The imaginative letters and playful illustrations combine humor with gentle lessons about fairness and creativity.
Books by Kevin Henkes offer wonderful characters and thoughtful storytelling, especially for readers who enjoy Jon Klassen’s style. Henkes writes and illustrates children’s books with warm illustrations and relatable themes.
In “Chrysanthemum,” readers meet a young mouse excited about her special name until classmates tease her at school. With gentle humor and heartfelt emotions, the story explores how she learns to appreciate herself again.
Kevin Henkes captures childhood moments beautifully through the everyday experiences of his charming animal characters.