Jory John’s books really strike a chord with both kids and grown-ups because they are genuinely funny. He makes stories that are full of humor and also have a lot of heart. He often writes about feelings and friendships in a way that kids really understand.
For those searching for authors with a similar approach when writing for children, here are some authors you might enjoy.
Readers who enjoy Jory John’s funny and relatable tales might also have fun with Mo Willems. Willems has a knack for capturing childhood humor and friendship dilemmas through expressive illustrations and witty dialogue.
In his book “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”, a playful pigeon insists that someone allow him to drive. As the pigeon pleads, begs, and bargains, young readers interact directly with the story through humorous back-and-forth exchanges.
Willems’ distinctive style brings charm and silliness to everyday scenarios, similar to Jory John’s talent for finding humor in common experiences.
Mac Barnett is a children’s author known for his playful imagination, humor, and engaging characters. If you enjoy the humor and charm of Jory John, Barnett’s stories will likely appeal to you too.
His book “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole,” illustrated by Jon Klassen, is about two friends who decide to dig in search of something spectacular. While Sam and Dave dig deeper and deeper underground, readers can spot sparkling treasures hidden just beyond their reach.
The book cleverly uses humor, suspense, and subtle illustrations to entertain both kids and adults, keeping readers eagerly turning each page to discover the amusing twists ahead.
Readers who enjoy Jory John’s humorous style and clever picture books will likely appreciate Jon Klassen. Klassen’s stories carry dry wit, subtle humor, and simple yet expressive illustrations.
In his book “I Want My Hat Back,” a bear politely questions various forest animals while searching for his missing hat.
Each sequence of dialogue and carefully placed illustration adds a layer of humor as readers piece together the mystery of what really happened to his treasured hat. Klassen brings laughter through understatement and repetition, creating a story kids and adults can both enjoy.
Drew Daywalt is a children’s author known for his playful humor and imaginative storytelling style. If you’ve enjoyed Jory John’s humorous approach to children’s literature, you’ll likely appreciate Daywalt’s witty and creative tales as well.
One of his popular books is “The Day the Crayons Quit,” where each crayon leaves letters for a boy named Duncan, hilariously protesting their roles in his drawings.
Red feels overused and exhausted from working non-stop on fire engines and Santas, while Peach faces embarrassment after losing its wrapper.
The clever narrative and fun illustrations capture a delightful twist on everyday crayons, making it a hit with readers who love quirky characters and humorous dialogue.
If you enjoy the humor and warmth of Jory John’s stories, Oliver Jeffers is another author worth discovering. Jeffers’ books combine playful storytelling with thoughtful themes and charming illustrations.
A great example is “Lost and Found,” a sweet tale about a boy who meets a lost penguin at his doorstep. Thinking the penguin is lonely, the boy embarks on a journey to return his new friend home, only to discover something surprising about friendship.
Jeffers captures young imaginations through gentle humor and heartwarming characters.
Ryan T. Higgins creates funny and appealing picture books, perfect for fans of Jory John’s humor. In “Mother Bruce,” readers meet Bruce, a grumpy bear who enjoys cooking fancy egg dishes. But things go wrong when the eggs he plans to eat hatch instead.
Now Bruce finds himself as the unexpected mother of four adorable ducklings. His reluctant adventures with these new ducklings are hilarious and sweet, filled with situations readers of all ages will enjoy.
Higgins pairs playful illustrations with sharp humor, making “Mother Bruce” a great choice for anyone who loves clever comedy and charming animal stories.
Readers who enjoy Jory John’s humorous, warm-hearted stories will likely appreciate Peter H. Reynolds. Reynolds creates picture books filled with creativity, kindness, and thoughtful storytelling.
His book “The Dot” introduces readers to Vashti, a young girl convinced she can’t draw. When encouraged by her teacher to simply make a mark, Vashti’s small dot begins a splendid journey of discovery and confidence.
The story beautifully shows readers how a little encouragement can make a big difference. Fans of John’s playful yet meaningful style are sure to connect with Reynolds’ gentle humor and heartfelt themes.
Readers who laugh along with Jory John’s humorous style might enjoy Aaron Blabey’s playful stories and funny characters. Aaron Blabey is an Australian children’s author known for his witty and clever picture books.
One of his standout titles is “The Bad Guys,” which follows the hilarious adventures of misunderstood animal villains who decide they’ve had enough of their negative reputations.
Led by Mr. Wolf, the team—which includes a shark, snake, and piranha—attempts good deeds to prove they’re not really so bad. The characters’ silly antics, paired with humorous illustrations, make their adventures enjoyable and entertaining from start to finish.
Readers who enjoy the humor and playful storytelling of Jory John will appreciate Dev Petty’s clever and funny approach to children’s books.
In her delightful picture book “I Don’t Want to Be a Frog,” Petty introduces us to a hilarious young frog, who dreams of being anything except a frog. He envies animals like rabbits, pigs, and owls, convinced their lives must be better than his own.
The dialogue between Frog and his wise father is amusing and relatable, filled with playful banter and honest lessons woven seamlessly into their conversations.
Petty uses humor and charming illustrations to gently reveal how sometimes, being exactly who you are is more exciting than imagining yourself as someone else.
If you enjoy the humor and charm of Jory John’s books, David Shannon might be another author worth checking out. Shannon writes stories filled with playful characters, silly predicaments, and fun illustrations.
His book “No, David!” follows an energetic young boy named David who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. From splashing water everywhere at bath time to running through the house in muddy shoes, David’s antics fill every page with laughter and warmth.
Shannon cleverly captures the mischievous spirit of childhood, making his books perfect for readers who love funny situations and relatable characters.
Adam Rex is an author and illustrator known for clever and humorous children’s books. If you’re a fan of Jory John’s playful style and silly humor, Rex’s book “School’s First Day of School” could be a perfect fit.
In this story, a newly built school feels nervous about welcoming students on the first day. The school worries about everything—from how loud the kids will be to whether they’ll like him or not.
Through funny and charming situations, the story brings the school’s perspective on first-day jitters to life. Rex’s humorous storytelling and expressive illustrations create an entertaining and relatable experience for readers.
Readers who enjoy Jory John’s humor and playful tone will appreciate Tom Lichtenheld’s charming picture books. Lichtenheld writes with wit and warmth, often pairing quirky characters with funny yet thoughtful situations.
In “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site,” he introduces young readers to a lively group of construction vehicles at the end of a busy day. Each vehicle says goodnight in its own special way, making both kids and adults smile.
The combination of cheerful illustrations and amusing rhymes creates an engaging bedtime story audiences return to again and again.
Readers who enjoy Jory John’s humorous and playful stories may appreciate Laura Numeroff’s engaging children’s books. Numeroff’s style is imaginative and full of charm.
Her book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” kicks off with a straightforward yet funny premise: what happens when you offer a cookie to a mouse? From there, the story spirals into one silly request after another.
One small action leads to a series of delightfully unexpected events. The book’s quirky logic and amusing illustrations make it appealing to anyone who loves the playful absurdity found in Jory John’s stories.
If you enjoy Jory John’s funny and imaginative picture books, Elise Parsley is another author worth checking out. Parsley’s stories are energetic and playful, and her book “If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!” is a great example.
In this humorous story, Magnolia brings an alligator to school for show-and-tell—even though she was specifically warned not to. As you can guess, it doesn’t turn out smoothly at all.
Magnolia’s school day turns chaotic as the alligator causes trouble, and readers get to laugh along at all the comical situations. Elise Parsley’s lively illustrations and humorous writing make the book enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Readers who enjoy Jory John’s playful stories and humor will appreciate Jan Thomas’s books. In her book “Rhyming Dust Bunnies,” readers meet four dust bunnies named Ed, Ned, Ted, and Bob. Ed, Ned, and Ted love to rhyme, but Bob seems distracted.
He keeps saying strange words that don’t rhyme and confuse the others. As the pages turn, readers discover Bob’s unusual behavior has an amusing and clever reason behind it.
With simple illustrations and funny dialogues, Jan Thomas creates a lively reading experience that appeals to fans of witty picture books.