Sydney Padua is known for “Lovelace & Babbage.” This graphic novel brings Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage to life in a funny and inventive way. If you enjoyed her combination of history, humor, and the graphic novel form, you might be looking for authors with a similar touch.
Books by Randall Munroe offer a fun combination of imagination, humor, and real scientific insights. Munroe, a former NASA roboticist turned webcomic artist, uses clear and engaging illustrations to explore complex ideas in surprising new ways.
His book “What If?” answers strange scientific questions submitted by readers with meticulous seriousness and witty, cartoon-based explanations.
Munroe explores fascinating scenarios such as what would happen if you built a periodic table from actual blocks of each element, or if everyone on Earth shined a laser pointer at the Moon simultaneously.
Through his sharp wit and creative storytelling, Munroe makes complex science accessible and entertaining.
If you enjoyed Sydney Padua’s entertaining blend of historical storytelling and clear technical explanations in “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage,” Munroe’s imaginative approach to science might also appeal to you.
Readers who enjoy Sydney Padua’s blend of humor and history may appreciate Kate Beaton’s delightful comics. Beaton is a Canadian cartoonist known for her clever wit and sharp commentary in historical storytelling. Her book “Hark!
A Vagrant” brings together hilarious comic strips that poke fun at historical figures, literary classics, and pop culture. You’ll see characters such as Napoleon, Jane Austen’s heroines, and even Nikola Tesla in absurd and funny situations.
Her ability to take complex historical topics and make them accessible through humor makes this book a gem.
Nick Abadzis is a British cartoonist and writer known for creating engaging graphic novels. His book “Laika” tells the story of the small stray dog sent by the Soviet Union into space aboard Sputnik 2.
Abadzis weaves historical facts with touching storytelling and expressive artwork. The story explores human ambition, scientific achievement, and the ethical questions raised by sending animals into space.
For readers who enjoyed Sydney Padua’s historical and visually creative approach in “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage,” “Laika” will resonate with its blend of history, emotion, and beautifully illustrated pages.
Alison Bechdel is a cartoonist well-known for insightful graphic memoirs and sharp humor. If you enjoyed Sydney Padua’s creative storytelling about historical figures, you might appreciate Bechdel’s unique approach to autobiography.
Her memoir, “Fun Home,” explores her complex relationship with her father and her childhood spent around their family-run funeral home. She weaves together family memories, literary references, and her experiences coming to understand her identity and sexuality.
The artwork comfortably balances a serious tone with lighter moments that deepen the emotional impact without losing readability. Readers looking for thoughtful storytelling combined with engaging illustrations may find Alison Bechdel’s work worth exploring.
Readers who enjoy Sydney Padua’s blend of history, wit, and imaginative storytelling might find Ben Aaronovitch’s novels appealing. Aaronovitch combines London’s urban life and folklore seamlessly in his book “Rivers of London.”
This novel follows Peter Grant, a young police constable whose career takes a supernatural turn after he meets a ghostly eyewitness to a bizarre murder.
As Grant navigates his new role as apprentice wizard and detective within the secretive magical department of the Metropolitan Police, he investigates strange occurrences hiding beneath London’s familiar surface.
Aaronovitch’s writing is clever, funny, and vividly captures the essence of contemporary London alongside myth and magic.
If you enjoy Sydney Padua’s playful exploration of history and technology in “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage,” you might like Scott McCloud and his graphic nonfiction “Understanding Comics.”
McCloud skillfully breaks down the storytelling techniques and visual language that comic artists use. He uses engaging visuals to explain concepts like time perception, panel-to-panel transitions, and how images combine with text to create meaning.
This is not your typical textbook—it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. McCloud even illustrates himself as a cartoon guide throughout the pages, adding humor and a personal touch. Anyone interested in comics or visual storytelling will find plenty to appreciate here.
Hope Jahren is a scientist and author who brings passion and warmth to writing about the natural world. Her memoir “Lab Girl” blends personal stories with fascinating insights into plant biology.
She describes her lifelong love for science, gives readers a glimpse into the daily challenges of being a female scientist, and shares memorable stories about the wonders discovered in her lab studies.
Those who liked how Sydney Padua made complex historical science engaging through storytelling will find Jahren’s personal approach equally appealing.
The way she connects her own journey, the quirky details of scientific experiments, and the exciting realities hidden within plants makes “Lab Girl” an entertaining and insightful read.
Lucy Knisley is a talented cartoonist and author known for thoughtful graphic memoirs that blend humor, autobiography, and engaging storytelling. Her book “Relish: My Life in the Kitchen” takes readers through her personal journey with food, family, and memory.
This memoir pairs vivid, colorful illustrations with heartwarming reflections on how cooking and eating have shaped her life. It even includes recipes woven into each chapter, sharing meaningful moments from her childhood and travels.
If you’ve enjoyed Sydney Padua’s witty and visually imaginative narratives, Lucy Knisley’s warm storytelling and captivating visuals provide another enjoyable read.
Books by Mary Roach offer a fun and unexpected approach to science writing. Readers who enjoyed Sydney Padua’s clever blend of history and humor in “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage” will appreciate Roach’s witty exploration of science topics.
In her book “Stiff,” Roach investigates the curious lives of human cadavers. She explores how bodies donated to science help advance medical research, forensic science, and even vehicle safety testing.
Her storytelling is full of respectful humor, fascinating facts, and surprising anecdotes about the ways human remains contribute to scientific progress.
Readers who enjoyed Sydney Padua’s playful blend of history, humor, and insightful storytelling in “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage” may find Roz Chast equally entertaining.
Chast is known for her witty cartoons in The New Yorker that capture everyday anxieties with both humor and honesty. Her graphic memoir, “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”, explores her experience caring for her elderly parents.
Through her distinctive illustrations and sharp observational humor, Chast portrays the absurdities, challenges, and emotional realities of family relationships in difficult moments.
The book mixes humor and raw emotion, providing a thoughtful and funny perspective on coping with life’s tougher stages.
Cory Doctorow is a writer known for his lively storytelling and creative spins on technology and society. If you enjoyed Sydney Padua’s humorous approach to history and innovation, you might like Doctorow’s novel “Makers.”
Set in a near-future America, the story follows two inventors who kick-start a business boom by repurposing old technology into imaginative new products.
Their vision quickly catches on, sparking a nationwide movement of entrepreneurs, tinkerers, and everyday people turning their passions into livelihoods. With humor and insight, Doctorow shows the excitement and chaos that erupts when creativity disrupts the traditional economy.
Jonathan Fetter-Vorm is an author and illustrator known for transforming complex historical subjects into clear, engaging graphic narratives.
His book “Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb” tells the story behind the creation of the atomic bomb through striking illustrations and thoughtful storytelling.
The book covers the science, the drama, and the human decisions behind the Manhattan Project, giving readers a deeper look into that pivotal moment in history.
Fans of Sydney Padua’s “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage” may appreciate how Fetter-Vorm combines visual storytelling with meticulous historical research in his work.
David Macaulay is an illustrator and author known for bringing historical and architectural subjects to life in entertaining and accessible ways. If you enjoyed Sydney Padua’s clever blend of history, science, and storytelling, David Macaulay might appeal to you too.
His book “The Way Things Work” is a standout example. In it, Macaulay uses imaginative illustrations and clear explanations to unravel how everyday machines actually function—from levers and gears to computers and jet engines.
What sets this book apart is its playful humor combined with accurate technical details. He even adds a whimsical touch by featuring woolly mammoths as humorous assistants in demonstrating mechanical principles.
If Padua’s blend of fun, visual storytelling, and unique takes on history caught your attention, David Macaulay’s approach could be equally engaging.
Jim Ottaviani is an author known for bringing science history to life through graphic novels. Like Sydney Padua, he explores real historical figures and events with humor and accuracy.
In his book “Feynman,” Ottaviani teams up with illustrator Leland Myrick to present the life of physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman was famous not only for his groundbreaking discoveries but also for his unique personality and playful curiosity.
Ottaviani captures both sides of Feynman, balancing scientific details with enjoyable, human experiences. Readers follow Feynman through his work on the Manhattan Project, late-night safecracking adventures, and charming curiosity about everything in the universe.
For anyone who enjoys science history told with visual appeal and a sense of fun, Jim Ottaviani’s books are a perfect fit.
Books by Anders Nilsen offer intriguing blends of thoughtful storytelling and imaginative visuals, ideal for fans of Sydney Padua’s “The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage.” His graphic novel “Big Questions” explores profound themes through whimsical art and sharp wit.
It follows a group of birds trying to make sense of their world after a mysterious occurrence disrupts their simple lives. Nilsen skillfully weaves humor and existential insight, creating an engaging story that combines philosophy and fantasy seamlessly.