Tony DiTerlizzi is an author and illustrator who crafts fantastical worlds in his books for young readers. His stories often feature goblins, fairies, and other magical creatures.
If you are searching for authors who create books with a similar sense of wonder and imagination, then you have come to the right place.
Brian Selznick is an author and illustrator known for creating imaginative worlds where adventure blends with heartwarming stories. If you enjoyed Tony DiTerlizzi’s works, you might also appreciate Selznick’s “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.”
This novel tells the story of Hugo, an orphaned boy in Paris who secretly maintains clocks in a busy train station. Hugo becomes involved in a mysterious quest related to a broken mechanical figure, an enigmatic toy seller, and early silent film history.
Selznick uniquely weaves his storytelling together through intricate illustrations and engaging text. This combination offers readers an immersive experience full of wonder, mystery, and emotion.
Readers who enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative storytelling might find Cornelia Funke’s books equally engaging. Funke is a skilled storyteller known for fantasy novels full of creativity, suspense, and heartfelt characters.
Her book “Inkheart” follows a young girl named Meggie and her father, who possess the unusual ability to bring characters out of books simply by reading aloud.
When a villain escapes from a fantasy novel into their real world, Meggie and her father face danger, adventure, and secrets that reveal surprising connections between fiction and reality.
Funke captures vivid imagery and intriguing twists, perfect for anyone fascinated by magic hidden within books and stories.
Readers who enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi might also appreciate Chris Riddell, an author and illustrator known for imaginative worlds and delightful adventure stories. In his book “Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse,” Riddell invites us into the charming yet spooky world of Ada Goth.
Ada is a curious girl who lives in the creepy but fascinating Ghastly-Gorm Hall. Lonely but brave, Ada teams up with the ghost of a mouse named Ishmael, and together they uncover mysteries and secrets hidden within her sprawling home.
Riddell’s story blends gentle humor with whimsical fantasy, offering memorable characters and beautiful illustrations that truly bring the hall and its eccentric inhabitants to life.
Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller known for imaginative worlds, charming characters, and narratives steeped in mythology and folklore. If you’re a fan of Tony DiTerlizzi’s creatively illustrated fantasies, you’ll appreciate Gaiman’s “Coraline.”
In this intriguing and dark fairy tale, Coraline Jones discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate reality. On the other side, she encounters parents who look like hers but carry buttons in place of eyes.
What starts as exciting and fun quickly becomes unsettling. Coraline must draw upon her courage and quick thinking to escape the trap laid by her eerie “other mother.”
Neil Gaiman’s ability to mix the whimsical and creepy into unforgettable adventures could capture your imagination.
Readers who enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s creative storytelling and imaginative worlds will likely appreciate J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Rowling invites readers into a magical universe filled with captivating creatures, spells, and secrets.
The story follows young Harry Potter, an orphan raised by unpleasant relatives, who suddenly learns he is actually a wizard. Unexpectedly drawn into Hogwarts, a hidden school of magic, Harry uncovers his exceptional past and faces thrilling adventures alongside his friends.
As these characters navigate enchanted corridors, secret chambers, and dangerous foes, Rowling effortlessly weaves a wonderful tale filled with warmth, courage, and friendship.
Kazu Kibuishi creates immersive stories and beautiful illustrations that appeal to readers who enjoy the imaginative adventures in Tony DiTerlizzi’s work.
In his graphic novel “Amulet: The Stonekeeper,” siblings Emily and Navin enter a mysterious world after tragedy strikes their family. They quickly discover strange creatures, powerful magical objects, and a dangerous quest.
Emily finds an amulet allowing her to control powers she doesn’t yet fully understand. The story mixes fascinating world-building, heartfelt sibling bonds, and breathtaking visuals to create an exciting fantasy adventure.
If you enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative storytelling and detailed fantasy worlds, you might want to explore Holly Black’s work. She is skilled at creating fascinating, dark-tinged worlds filled with magic and intriguing characters.
In her book “The Cruel Prince,” Black introduces Jude, a mortal girl raised in the dangerous land of Faerie. After witnessing tragedy as a child, Jude struggles to find her place among the cunning faeries who despise humans.
She navigates court politics, betrayal, and complex family loyalties in a quest for power and identity. Holly Black’s vivid storytelling and deep characterization make “The Cruel Prince” an engaging read for fans of fantasy adventures.
Philip Pullman is known for his imaginative storytelling filled with wonder and adventure, qualities readers of Tony DiTerlizzi will appreciate. In his book “The Golden Compass,” Pullman creates a world parallel to our own.
Here, human souls take the form of animal companions called daemons. We follow Lyra Belacqua, a brave young girl who sets out on a quest to rescue her kidnapped friend. In her journey, Lyra encounters witches, armored bears, and mysterious scholars.
The rich world Pullman builds, the memorable characters, and the exciting adventures make this a book worth exploring.
Readers who enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative worlds and vivid characters may find Leigh Bardugo’s books equally captivating. Bardugo is best known for her “Grishaverse” novels, including the popular “Shadow and Bone.”
This book follows Alina Starkov, an orphan whose life shifts dramatically when she reveals a hidden magical power—a power that could save her war-torn country.
Bardugo creates a richly layered fantasy universe full of magic and intrigue, with heroes and villains who feel real and complex. The story explores friendships, rivalries, and secrets, set against an atmospheric backdrop inspired by Tsarist Russia.
Fans of fantastical adventures with deep characters and imaginative storytelling will likely appreciate Bardugo’s work.
Readers who enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative fantasy worlds and memorable characters will likely appreciate Rick Riordan’s inventive storytelling and captivating adventures.
Riordan blends mythology with contemporary settings seamlessly in his exciting fantasy novel, “The Lightning Thief.” This book introduces young Percy Jackson, an everyday boy who discovers his father is actually Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
After this revelation, Percy embarks on a thrilling journey across America to prevent a war among the gods. The story weaves humorous twists, relatable friendships, and suspenseful battles that keep readers turning pages.
Fans of DiTerlizzi’s magical stories will find Riordan’s modern spin on Greek myths equally entertaining and enjoyable.
Eoin Colfer is an Irish author who brilliantly blends fantasy, humor, and adventure in his books. His novel “Artemis Fowl” introduces readers to Artemis, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who plans to kidnap a fairy for ransom.
But these aren’t charming little pixies—they have advanced technology, strong magic, and their own skilled police force ready to protect their hidden world. Artemis soon finds himself caught in dangerous conflicts and unlikely alliances.
Colfer weaves witty dialogue, fast-paced scenes, and imaginative settings into a modern fairy tale that fans of Tony DiTerlizzi’s exciting fantasy worlds would surely enjoy.
Brandon Mull is an author who artfully blends fantasy worlds with engaging young characters and intriguing adventures. If you love Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative storytelling, then Mull’s “Fablehaven” may captivate your interest.
The story follows siblings Kendra and Seth as they uncover their grandparents’ astonishing secret: their home is actually a sanctuary for mystical creatures, both lovely and dangerous. Unicorns, fairies, and trolls fill the pages of this adventure.
Exploring this hidden preserve becomes the adventure of a lifetime for the young heroes. Mull’s vivid writing and exciting twists echo the charm found in DiTerlizzi’s tales, with the same blend of wonder, suspense, and memorable young protagonists.
If you enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative worlds filled with adventure and clever storytelling, you’ll likely appreciate the dark humor and quirky charm of Lemony Snicket.
Snicket’s “The Bad Beginning,” the first book in “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” introduces readers to the three Baudelaire siblings—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny.
After their parents perish in a mysterious fire, the children are placed with their distant relative, the sinister Count Olaf. Olaf schemes endlessly to seize the Baudelaire fortune, and the siblings must constantly outwit him with their creativity, intelligence, and courage.
The narrative is witty and playful, combined with suspenseful twists and puzzles that keep readers engaged at every turn.
Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer known for her fantasy novels inspired by West African mythology. In her novel “Children of Blood and Bone,” Adeyemi introduces a vivid world of magic, power struggles, and injustice.
The story follows Zélie, a young woman determined to restore magic to her oppressed people after it vanished under a ruthless king.
Accompanied by her brother and a rebellious princess, Zélie faces danger, adventure, and difficult choices in a realm filled with elemental magic and mythic creatures.
For readers who enjoy Tony DiTerlizzi’s imaginative worlds filled with captivating myths and memorable characters, Adeyemi offers an exciting new journey into richly crafted fantasy realms.
Patrick Ness writes imaginative stories that blend fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth, similar to the style of Tony DiTerlizzi. His book “A Monster Calls” follows Conor, a boy struggling with his mother’s serious illness.
When a mysterious monster visits Conor at night, it shares stories meant to help him face difficult truths. The narrative is beautifully written and rich with symbolism. Characters are memorable and authentic, and the illustrations enhance the mood.
Fans of DiTerlizzi’s distinct and heartfelt storytelling may find Ness’s approach equally powerful and engaging.