If you enjoy reading books by William Joyce then you might also like the following authors:
Chris Van Allsburg is an author and illustrator known for creating imaginative and visually stunning picture books. One of his most beloved works is “The Polar Express”. In the story, a young boy boards a magical train that takes him to the North Pole.
The book captures a sense of wonder, as the boy encounters mysterious landscapes, lively characters, and the spirit of Christmas. The illustrations are rich and add a dream-like quality to the journey.
Van Allsburg often blends reality and fantasy in ways that make his stories feel unforgettable.
Oliver Jeffers creates picture books that blend emotion and wonder. One of his books, “The Day the Crayons Quit,” tells the story of Duncan, a young boy whose crayons write letters to him. Each crayon shares its complaints.
Red feels overworked, yellow and orange argue over the color of the sun, and beige feels unappreciated. The humor and imagination in the story make it a fun read, all while showing the crayons’ unique personalities.
Maurice Sendak is a beloved author and illustrator known for creating imaginative and whimsical stories. One of his most famous books, “Where the Wild Things Are,” tells the story of Max, a boy who wears a wolf costume and gets sent to bed without supper.
Max escapes into a mysterious land where giant creatures roam, and he becomes their king. The illustrations are vivid, and the way Max’s wild adventure ends gives the book a touching and unforgettable feel.
Fans of William Joyce might appreciate how Sendak brings fantasy and childhood wonder to life in such creative ways.
David Wiesner is a master of telling stories through pictures. His books often play with imagination and offer surprising twists without relying heavily on words. One of his standout works is “Tuesday.”
In it, frogs on lily pads suddenly rise into the air and begin flying through a small town. The book captures the magic of the bizarre event through detailed illustrations, letting readers piece together the story.
It’s the kind of book where you notice something new every time, pulling you deeper into his creative worlds.
E.B. White wrote stories that feel timeless, filled with charm and heart. One of his most beloved books is “Charlotte’s Web.” It tells the story of a pig named Wilbur, who befriends a clever spider named Charlotte.
Charlotte comes up with a plan to save Wilbur when he faces danger on the farm. It’s a tale that shows how friendship and kindness can make an incredible difference, even in the smallest of lives. If you like stories with warmth and imagination, his writing is worth exploring.
Shaun Tan is an author and illustrator known for creating deeply imaginative and visually stunning stories. One of his most notable works, “The Arrival,” is a wordless graphic novel about a man who leaves his homeland to find a better life in an unfamiliar place.
The story explores themes of migration, isolation, and hope through surreal, detailed illustrations. Each page feels like stepping into a strange but heartfelt world, with odd creatures and unusual landscapes that capture the emotional weight of starting over.
It’s a book that speaks volumes without a single word.
Roald Dahl wrote stories full of imagination and surprises, perfect for readers who enjoy William Joyce. His book “Matilda” tells the story of a little girl with extraordinary intelligence and a love for books.
Trapped in a family that doesn’t understand her and a school ruled by a terrifying headmistress, Matilda discovers she has a strange power that could change everything. The mix of humor, mischief, and fantastical twists makes it unforgettable.
Lynne Rae Perkins is an author who brings warmth and heart to her stories, often exploring themes of family, friendship, and imagination. Her book, “Criss Cross,” follows a group of teenagers in a small town as they navigate the ordinary and extraordinary moments of growing up.
There’s Debbie, a girl wondering when her life will begin to feel more exciting, and Hector, who dreams of playing the guitar and finding love. Little moments, like shared music or an unexpected conversation, add threads of connection that form a quiet, meaningful tale.
If you enjoy William Joyce’s way of bringing curiosity and wonder into everyday life, you might find “Criss Cross” a good fit.
Aaron Becker creates beautiful, wordless picture books that rely on illustrations to tell rich stories. His book “Journey” is about a young girl who discovers a magical red marker.
She uses it to draw a door on her bedroom wall, opening up a world filled with castles, flying ships, and unexpected adventure. It’s a story about imagination and escape, told through stunning artwork that speaks louder than words ever could.
Brian Selznick is an author and illustrator known for blending words and images to tell stories in inventive ways. One of his books, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” follows Hugo, a young boy living in a train station in Paris.
Hugo discovers an old automaton and believes it holds a message from his late father. As he tries to fix it, he gets caught up in a mystery involving an eccentric toymaker.
Selznick uses beautiful pencil illustrations alongside the text, which makes the story feel alive and cinematic. It’s a book that combines wonder with a sense of adventure and discovery.
Kate DiCamillo writes heartfelt stories that often center on unforgettable characters who face challenges with courage and hope. One of her books, “The Tale of Despereaux,” tells the story of a tiny mouse with big ears named Despereaux.
Unlike other mice, he dreams of adventure and chases light instead of hiding from it. His journey leads him to a princess, a dungeon, and an unlikely act of bravery that changes everything.
Her writing has a timeless quality that fans of imaginative and tender storytelling will enjoy.
Mo Willems is an author who creates fun and imaginative stories for kids. His book, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”, is about a determined pigeon who tries to convince the reader to let him take the wheel after the bus driver steps away.
The pigeon argues, pleads, and throws a tantrum, hoping to get his way. It’s playful and interactive, giving readers a chance to engage with the story.
If you enjoy William Joyce’s way of bringing character-driven adventures to life, you might enjoy Willems’ humor and style as well.
Tony DiTerlizzi is an author and illustrator known for his imaginative storytelling and detailed artwork. One of his books, “The Search for WondLa,” follows a young girl named Eva Nine, who has grown up in an underground sanctuary.
When her home is destroyed, she ventures into a strange and colorful world filled with unusual creatures and mysteries. The book combines adventure with beautifully crafted characters and settings that feel alive.
Peter H. Reynolds is an author and illustrator known for creating heartfelt stories that celebrate creativity and self-expression. In his book “The Dot,” a young girl named Vashti believes she cannot draw.
Her teacher encourages her to make a single mark, leading Vashti to discover her own artistic spirit. The simple story shows how one small act can spark confidence and open up a world of possibilities.
Fans of William Joyce’s imaginative and uplifting tales might enjoy Reynolds’ ability to inspire through beautifully illustrated, meaningful stories.
Bill Peet was a children’s author and illustrator known for his imaginative stories and lively illustrations.
In his book “The Wump World,” the Wumps, gentle creatures who live peacefully on their lush planet, have their lives turned upside down when the Pollutians arrive and wreak havoc. The story paints a vivid picture of environmental destruction and hints at hope for renewal.
Peet’s books often weave humor and colorful characters into meaningful tales, creating worlds that feel both fun and thought-provoking.