If you enjoy reading books by Maurice Sendak then you might also like the following authors:
Margaret Wise Brown wrote stories that feel warm and timeless, often capturing the simplicity of childhood. Her book “Goodnight Moon” is a great example. It’s about a little bunny saying goodnight to everything around him—a red balloon, a pair of mittens, even the moon itself.
The story is soothing, with a rhythm that feels like a lullaby. Her vivid but gentle descriptions make you notice little things, as if seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Fans of Maurice Sendak could easily find her work just as magical.
Ezra Jack Keats is an author and illustrator celebrated for capturing the everyday moments of childhood with warmth and simplicity. One of his most beloved books, “The Snowy Day,” follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after a snowfall.
Peter marvels at his footprints in the snow, slides down piles of it, and tries to save a snowball for later. The story feels wonderfully close to the little joys and discoveries of being a child.
Keats’ artwork is colorful and textured, making the city setting come alive on every page.
Chris Van Allsburg is an author and illustrator known for creating picture books with vivid, imaginative artwork and thoughtful stories. One of his well-known books, “The Polar Express,” tells the story of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The story captures a sense of wonder and belief through its quiet hero and fantastical journey. If you enjoy Maurice Sendak’s ability to combine unique illustrations with heartfelt tales, Van Allsburg’s work might resonate with you too.
Tomie dePaola was a storyteller and illustrator whose works brought warmth and charm to children’s literature. One of his beloved books, “Strega Nona,” introduces readers to a kind-hearted grandma who helps her village with her magical pasta pot.
When her helper, Big Anthony, decides to use the pot on his own, he accidentally floods the town with spaghetti. The story has humor and a sense of mischief, paired with illustrations that feel timeless.
Fans of Maurice Sendak might enjoy how dePaola’s stories explore the world of family, tradition, and a touch of magic.
Leo Lionni was an artist and author who created picture books that combine simple stories with rich illustrations. One of his well-loved books is “Swimmy.” It tells the story of a tiny black fish who finds himself alone after his school is eaten by a predator.
He meets other fish and comes up with a clever way to help them stick together for safety. The book has a mix of teamwork and problem-solving, with images that feel alive and colorful.
If you enjoy stories with heart and art that adds depth to the narrative, his work might catch your eye.
William Steig was a writer and illustrator known for creating stories that speak to both children and adults. One of his beloved books, “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble,” tells the story of a little donkey named Sylvester who finds a magical pebble that can grant wishes.
Sylvester’s wish to avoid danger unintentionally transforms him into a rock, leaving him unable to ask for help. The story moves through his parents’ heartbreak and the hope that grows as they unknowingly pass by their son.
It shows how love and family can overcome hardship in a way that feels heartfelt and timeless. Fans of Maurice Sendak might enjoy Steig’s ability to blend tender storytelling with a touch of whimsy.
Shel Silverstein was a writer and illustrator known for his quirky and imaginative storytelling. One of his beloved books, “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” is a collection of poems filled with oddball characters, clever rhymes, and unexpected twists.
There’s a poem about a boy who turns into a TV, another about a girl who wears her father’s gigantic shoes, and plenty of others that spark curiosity and laughter. The drawings add to the fun, making each page feel alive with adventure.
If you enjoy Maurice Sendak’s way of blending the whimsical and the strange, you might find Silverstein equally delightful.
Virginia Lee Burton was a talented storyteller and illustrator who created books with warmth and heart. One of her best-known works, “The Little House,” tells the story of a small, happy house in the countryside.
Over time, the surrounding landscape changes as a bustling city grows around her. The house feels lonely and forgotten, but there’s a sense of hope when someone recognizes her value. The story is heartfelt, and the illustrations bring the house and its world to life.
Fans of Maurice Sendak might appreciate her ability to combine meaningful stories with charming artwork.
Anthony Browne is an author and illustrator known for creating picture books that feel both imaginative and thought-provoking. One of his works, “Gorilla,” tells the story of a girl named Hannah who feels neglected by her father.
On the night before her birthday, a surprise comes to life when her toy gorilla transforms into a real one, and they share a magical adventure together. The book explores emotions and family connections with a touch of whimsy and wonder.
Beatrix Potter is known for her charming tales set in the world of animals. One of her most loved works is “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” The story is about a mischievous rabbit who sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden despite being warned by his mother.
Peter’s adventure is full of narrow escapes, and the illustrations bring the garden and its dangers to life. The book captures that mix of curiosity and trouble that draws kids in.
Potter’s stories, much like Maurice Sendak’s, have a way of blending whimsy with a sense of consequence that makes them stick with readers.
Lane Smith is an author and illustrator known for blending quirky visuals with thoughtful stories. One of his books, “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” reimagines classic fairy tales in a way that’s both hilarious and strange.
Each story twists the original in an unexpected direction, like turning “The Gingerbread Man” into a smelly, cheese-headed character who nobody wants to catch. It’s clever without feeling pretentious, and its humor might remind fans of Maurice Sendak’s playful style.
Barbara Cooney was a talented author and illustrator known for creating thoughtful and visually captivating stories for children. One of her most beloved works is “Miss Rumphius.”
The book tells the story of Alice, a young girl who dreams of traveling to faraway places, living by the sea, and finding a way to make the world more beautiful.
Inspired by her grandfather’s words, she grows up, explores the world, and eventually settles in a quiet coastal town. There, she begins scattering lupine seeds, transforming the landscape with fields of beautiful flowers.
Cooney’s artwork brings the story to life, and the book leaves readers with a sense of wonder. Fans of Maurice Sendak’s storytelling might enjoy the heartfelt simplicity found in Cooney’s books.
Brian Selznick is an author and illustrator known for blending words and pictures in a way that feels unique and immersive. One of his books, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” follows a boy named Hugo who lives alone in a Paris train station.
Hugo cares for the station’s clocks and tries to repair a mysterious automaton left behind by his father. The book uses both text and drawings to tell the story, creating a cinematic flow that’s hard to put down.
Fans of Maurice Sendak might enjoy the heartfelt storytelling and imaginative visuals in Selznick’s work.
David Wiesner is a storyteller who loves to use illustrations to tell his tales. His book, “Tuesday,” is a great example of his talent. It’s about frogs who, under the cover of night, take to the skies on their lily pads.
The story unfolds without many words, letting the pictures do the work. Readers are drawn into the strange and magical world of flying amphibians.
It’s playful and full of surprises, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys Maurice Sendak’s ability to blend the ordinary with the fantastical.
E.B. White is an author known for creating heartfelt stories that resonate with readers of all ages. One of his most beloved books, “Charlotte’s Web,” tells the story of a pig named Wilbur who befriends a clever and kind-hearted spider named Charlotte.
Together, they work to save Wilbur from being turned into dinner. The story is full of warmth, and the friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte feels real and unforgettable.
Fans of Maurice Sendak’s ability to blend emotion with storytelling might find something special in White’s world.