Ursula Vernon is an award-winning American author and illustrator best known for children's fantasy and comics. Notably, her graphic novel series Dragonbreath and the middle-grade novel Castle Hangnail showcase her creative storytelling and humor.
If you enjoy reading books by Ursula Vernon then you might also like the following authors:
If you love Ursula Vernon's humorous, engaging storytelling, check out T. Kingfisher—since that's actually Vernon herself writing for an adult audience. Kingfisher's stories mix wit, charm, and relatable characters, often blending fairy-tale elements with practical realities.
Try The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, where magic meets baking in a funny and touching tale.
Naomi Novik crafts richly detailed fantasies filled with folklore and vibrant worlds. She creates strong-willed heroes who face danger and adventure, often confronting powerful forces with courage and wit.
Fans of clever heroines and imaginative fairy-tale twists should pick up Uprooted, a story about a village girl chosen by a mysterious wizard to help fight ancient evil forces—it reads like a sophisticated fairy tale.
If you enjoy stories rooted in folklore and fairy-tale settings, dive into Katherine Arden's novels. Arden writes vivid, atmospheric tales steeped in Russian folklore and traditions.
Her book The Bear and the Nightingale introduces a brave young heroine in medieval Russia, whose adventures blend folklore creatures and magical realism.
Readers who appreciate Ursula Vernon's humor and imaginative style might also love Terry Pratchett. He writes witty, satirical fantasy stories set in his fascinating Discworld setting. His novels often explore deeper human themes beneath their humorous exteriors. Try Guards!
Guards!, an entertaining novel about a mismatched city watch confronting dragons and power-hungry schemers.
Neil Gaiman is a fantastic choice if you're looking for stories infused with myth, magic, quirky wit, and an appreciation for storytelling itself. His style is approachable and enchanting, often blending real-world elements with mythical ones.
Check out The Graveyard Book, about a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard—it mixes gentle humor, adventure, and touching moments.
Diana Wynne Jones wrote imaginative fantasy novels full of humor and adventure. Like Ursula Vernon, she created charming characters and twisting plots that mix magic and everyday life.
Her novel Howl's Moving Castle features a spirited heroine named Sophie who becomes tangled up with a whimsical wizard in a moving castle, highlighting her playful storytelling style.
Patricia A. McKillip's fantasy novels are lyrical and full of beautiful language, magic, and myth. Her writing often explores personal journeys and the power of storytelling.
Her book The Forgotten Beasts of Eld tells the story of Sybel, a woman with magical creatures, whose quiet life changes when she must confront the complexity of love and power.
Robin McKinley excels at reimagining fairy tales and creating worlds with detailed storytelling. Much like Ursula Vernon, her characters display courage and authenticity.
Her book The Hero and the Crown follows Aerin, a determined young woman whose bravery and resourcefulness help her defeat dragons and protect her kingdom.
Lois McMaster Bujold writes accessible science fiction and fantasy filled with memorable characters and meaningful relationships. Her storytelling often mixes humor, warmth, and moral depth, something Ursula Vernon fans would appreciate.
Her novel The Curse of Chalion follows the honorable yet troubled hero Cazaril as he navigates intrigue, magic, and divine intervention to restore balance to his troubled kingdom.
Catherynne M. Valente weaves rich, imaginative stories filled with whimsy and wonder. She playfully mixes fantastical elements and creative wordplay in her narratives, a style fans of Ursula Vernon might enjoy.
Her novel The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making features September, a brave and curious protagonist embarking on a whimsical voyage filled with friendship and adventure.
Seanan McGuire writes fantasy novels with imaginative settings, relatable characters, and witty dialogue. If you're a fan of Ursula Vernon's warm-hearted storytelling and clever humor, you'll appreciate McGuire's worlds filled with magic, mystery, and a touch of darkness.
Her novella Every Heart a Doorway features teens who've returned from magical worlds and struggle to adjust to normal life—an engaging tale perfect for readers who love depth wrapped in whimsy.
Alix E. Harrow tells thoughtful and imaginative stories that weave folklore, feminist themes, and enchanting prose. Readers drawn to Ursula Vernon's vibrant worlds and strong female leads will find similar appeal in Harrow's work.
Her novel The Ten Thousand Doors of January blends historical fiction with portal fantasy, following a young woman discovering doors that lead to magical worlds. It's a heartfelt journey full of wonder and emotional depth.
Travis Baldree's cozy, heartwarming style makes his stories relaxing and deeply enjoyable. If you appreciate Ursula Vernon's talent for comfort reads and quirky, charming characters, you're likely to enjoy Baldree too.
His novel Legends & Lattes centers around a retired adventurer opening a coffee shop in a fantasy world, highlighting themes of friendship, fresh starts, and everyday magic.
Olivia Atwater's novels combine regency romance charm with magical whimsy and clever humor. Fans of Ursula Vernon’s playful tone, witty dialogue, and magical adventures will feel right at home in Atwater's stories.
Her book Half a Soul follows a young woman missing half her soul in regency-era England, combining romance, fantasy, and social commentary into a delightful, heartwarming narrative.
Zen Cho creates engaging magical tales rooted in historical and cultural richness, with humor and warmth that resonate with Vernon fans. Like Vernon, Cho crafts charming, memorable characters navigating relationships, identity, and magic.
Her novel Sorcerer to the Crown, set in an alternate Regency England populated with sorcerers, dragons, and faeries, blends wit and social insight into an entertaining and clever read.