Essential Children’s Authors and Illustrators

Connecting children with authors and illustrators who speak to their hearts and minds can spark a lifelong passion for literature. That’s why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to 100 essential children’s book creators who consistently produce thoughtful, engaging, and joyful reading experiences.

This collection goes beyond the household names every family already knows—like Beatrix Potter, Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, and Judy Blume—to introduce you to the remarkable creators who are shaping children’s literature today. These authors and illustrators represent diverse voices, varied artistic styles, and stories that reflect the beautiful complexity of childhood experiences across cultures and communities.

Whether you’re supporting a beginning reader working through systematic phonics instruction, encouraging a reluctant reader to discover their next favorite series, or nurturing an advanced reader ready for complex themes, this guide will help you find the perfect literary companions for your child’s reading adventure.

Babies Through Age 4 (Board Books)

Jabari Asim

Best for: Families seeking diverse representation in early literacy; toddlers who enjoy rhythmic, playful language; parents wanting books that celebrate children of color

Asim’s board books with fresh, free-flowing verse encourage silliness and curiosity, while his picture books and middle grade titles often focus on African American history.

• Whose Knees Are These? (Illustrated by LeUyen Pham)
• Whose Toes Are Those? (Illustrated by LeUyen Pham)

Sandra Boynton

Best for: Parents wanting silly, engaging books that make toddlers laugh; families who enjoy singing and dancing with books; children who love animal characters

Tuned into toddlers, Boynton has created a menagerie of playful, spontaneous animal characters that fill more than 60 titles.

• But Not the Hippopotamus
• Blue Hat, Green Hat

Donald Crews

Best for: Children fascinated by vehicles and transportation; toddlers who respond to bold, simple graphics; early readers building vocabulary around familiar objects

This two-time Caldecott award winner presents objects and scenes familiar to young children using artfully designed, bold graphic images.

• Freight Train
• Truck

Lois Ehlert

Best for: Artistic families who appreciate innovative book design; children who love bright colors and unique textures; parents seeking books that inspire creativity

Ehlert was an artist who wasn’t afraid to wire, sew, glue, cut, paint, or photograph to provide highly original children’s books full of stunning shapes and strong colors.

• Color Zoo
• Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On

Mem Fox

Best for: Families who prioritize reading aloud; bedtime routines; children who respond to gentle, rhythmic language; multicultural families

Australia’s best-known children’s book author of more than 40 board books and picture books, Fox is also a passionate advocate for reading aloud to children.

• Time for Bed (Illustrated by Jane Dyer)
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury)

Vashti Harrison

Best for: Parents wanting to introduce Black history early; children who enjoy aspirational messages; families seeking books about strong role models

Author, illustrator, and filmmaker Harrison introduces young children to Black history and women’s history with sweet, serene depictions of world-changers.

• Follow Your Dreams, Little One
• Think Big, Little One

Tana Hoban

Best for: Children developing observational skills; families who enjoy concept books; parents wanting photography-based books; children learning basic concepts

An accomplished photographer who turned her images reflecting a child’s viewpoint in looking at the world into innovative concept books.

• Exactly the Opposite
• Who Are They?

Bill Martin Jr.

Best for: Beginning readers building phonemic awareness; children who love predictable, rhythmic text; families using books to support systematic phonics instruction

The author of more than 300 children’s books, Martin was skilled at writing simple, melodic texts helpful to beginning readers.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Illustrated by Eric Carle)
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Illustrated by John Archambault)

Helen Oxenbury

Best for: Families wanting gentle humor in board books; children who connect with expressive illustrations; parents seeking books that capture toddler experiences authentically

Renowned picture book illustrator Oxenbury captures humor, drama, and more in an appealing and memorable way.

• Tickle, Tickle
• Say Goodnight

Rosemary Wells

Best for: Families with siblings; children who enjoy stories about everyday experiences; parents wanting books that address common childhood challenges

Author and illustrator of more than 60 books, Wells has a terrific understanding of what matters to young children.

• Bunny Cakes
• Max’s Birthday

Age 4-8 (Picture Books)

Kwame Alexander

Best for: Families who appreciate poetry and wordplay; children ready for emotional depth; young readers interested in celebrating poets and creativity

Alexander, an award-winning poet and author, writes picture books for children and cross-genre books in verse for older readers that deliver an emotional punch.

• The Crossover
• Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (Written with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes)

Mitsumasa Anno

Best for: Children fascinated by math and science; families who enjoy detailed, wordless books; parents wanting to encourage close observation and discussion

Passionate about math and science, this renowned artist, children’s book author-illustrator, and Hans Christian Andersen Medal winner created highly detailed illustrations that take readers on imaginative journeys.

• Anno’s Counting Book
• Anno’s Journey

Andrea Beaty

Best for: Future engineers and scientists; children who love problem-solving; families wanting to encourage STEAM learning; kids who enjoy rhyming stories

A natural at rhyme, Beaty fills STEAM-themed picture books and chapter books with curiosity, creativity, innovation, persistence, and problem-solving.

• Ada Twist, Scientist (Illustrated by David Roberts)
• Iggy Peck, Architect (Illustrated by David Roberts)

Jan Brett

Best for: Children who love detailed illustrations; families who enjoy finding hidden details in pictures; readers interested in different cultures and traditions

Best-selling author/illustrator Brett does extensive research before beginning her intricately detailed illustrations, which often include story subplots woven into creative page borders.

• The Hat
• Annie and the Wild Animals

Tami Charles

Best for: Families seeking affirming messages for children of color; readers who appreciate lyrical language; children interested in social justice themes

A former teacher, Charles writes lyrical, affirming texts for her picture books as well as middle grade and young adult titles.

• All Because You Matter (Illustrated by Bryan Collier)
• Freedom Soup (Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara)

Bryan Collier

Best for: Children interested in African American history; families who appreciate artistic excellence; readers drawn to stories about real historical figures

Award-winning illustrator Collier uses a vibrant combination of watercolor and collage to bring his characters, mostly real historical figures, to life on the page.

• We Shall Overcome
• Rosa (Written by Nikki Giovanni)

Raúl Colón

Best for: Bilingual families; children interested in Latino culture; readers who appreciate luminous, dramatic artwork; families exploring multicultural literature

Renowned for his luminous children’s book illustrations, Colón layers color to create the bold, often dramatic illustrations featured in his books.

• Draw!
• Tomás and the Library Lady (Written by Pat Mora)

Barbara Cooney

Best for: Children who appreciate folk art style; families seeking books with moral sophistication; readers interested in New England settings; parents wanting timeless stories

Though Cooney shifted styles of illustrating during her long career, her artistic style is often considered as folk art, and her work is infused with respect for children’s moral and intellectual sophistication.

• Miss Rumphius
• Island Boy

Matt de la Peña

Best for: Families discussing social class and community; children who appreciate emotional depth; readers interested in urban experiences; parents wanting award-winning literature

Newbery Medal-winning author de la Peña writes poignant, lyrical picture books (often about class) as well as middle grade and young adult novels.

• Last Stop on Market Street (Illustrated by Christian Robinson)
• Milo Imagines the World (Illustrated by Christian Robinson)

Tomie dePaola

Best for: Children who enjoy autobiographical stories; families who appreciate folk art; readers interested in Italian American culture; parents wanting gentle humor

A warm and energetic artist who used a distinctive black line and folk-art style, dePaola’s books are filled with imagination, gentle humor, and stories inspired by his own life.

• The Art Lesson
• Strega Nona

Leo and Diane Dillon

Best for: Families interested in African culture; children who appreciate sophisticated artwork; readers drawn to collaborative artistic partnerships; parents seeking culturally rich stories

This award-winning husband-and-wife artist team works on the same piece of art in the many books they authored and/or illustrated, honoring African culture.

• Rap a Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles — Think of That!
• Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears (Written by Verna Aardema)

Margarita Engle

Best for: Families interested in Cuban culture; children who appreciate free verse poetry; readers drawn to stories about historical figures; bilingual families

An author of free verse young adult novels, author and poet Engle also writes lovely, lyrical picture books that celebrate historical figures and Cuban culture.

• Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music (Illustrated by Rafael López)
• Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian (Illustrated by Julie Paschkis)

Julie Flett

Best for: Families learning about Indigenous cultures; children who appreciate gentle, warm illustrations; readers interested in nature-based stories; parents seeking authentic Indigenous voices

Artist, author, and illustrator Flett is warm and gentle illustrations centered around the life and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

• Birdsong
• Wild Berries

Gail Gibbons

Best for: Curious children who ask “how” and “why”; families wanting accurate nonfiction; children interested in science and nature; parents seeking educational picture books

Gibbons has a gift for researching complex nonfiction subjects and turning them into clear, colorfully illustrated picture books with strong kid-appeal.

• From Seed to Plant
• The Moon Book

Eloise Greenfield

Best for: Families wanting to celebrate African American culture; children who appreciate poetry and rhythm; readers interested in family relationships; parents seeking authentic Black voices

Greenfield richly captured the rhythm and melodies of everyday African American family life and historical figures in her poetry, picture books, and biographies for children.

• Honey, I Love (Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist)
• Grandpa’s Face (Illustrated by Floyd Cooper)

Kevin Henkes

Best for: Children who love mouse characters; families dealing with everyday challenges; readers who appreciate simple, elegant storytelling; parents wanting gentle problem-solving stories

Author of award-winning middle grade titles, Henkes is also a Caldecott Medal winner and writes and illustrates simple, yet elegant picture books that often feature admirable mouse characters.

• Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
• Waiting

Steve Jenkins

Best for: Science-loving children; families who appreciate innovative collage art; readers fascinated by animals and nature; parents wanting accurate science information

Passionate about science, Jenkins answered curious kids’ questions in his nonfiction picture books illustrated in vibrant and exquisite cut-and-torn-paper collage.

• Actual Size
• What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? (Written with Robin Page)

Steven Kellogg

Best for: Children who love detailed, colorful illustrations; families who enjoy tall tales and folklore; readers drawn to humorous stories; parents wanting engaging storytelling

Kellogg writes and draws in what he calls a “beautiful duet,” creating highly detailed color color-filled drawings to deepen and expand the text of his stories.

• Pinkerton, Behave
• Johnny Appleseed

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Best for: Families who appreciate dry humor; children who enjoy layered, sophisticated stories; readers drawn to minimalist art; parents wanting witty, clever books

Both Klassen and Barnett are known for their sense of humor, and when they work together, the results are sharp, layered, witty picture books.

• Sam & Dave Dig a Hole
• Extra Yarn

Minh Lê and Dan Santat

Best for: Families exploring intergenerational relationships; children interested in comics-style illustration; readers who appreciate emotional storytelling; multicultural families

The dynamic duo of Lê and the Caldecott Award-winning Santat delivers comics-inspired storytelling with an emotional punch.

• Drawn Together
• Lift

Grace Lin

Best for: Asian American families; children interested in Asian culture; readers who appreciate universal themes; parents seeking diversity in children’s literature

An advocate for diversity in children’s books, award-winning author/illustrator Lin creates board books, early readers, and middle grade novels in addition to picture books with universal themes that are about the Asian-American experience.

• The Ugly Vegetables
• A Big Mooncake for Little Star

Leo Lionni

Best for: Children who love collage art; families interested in community-building stories; readers who appreciate problem-solving themes; parents wanting books about cooperation

A four-time Caldecott Honor winner, Lionni used collage for his boldly illustrated picture books, which look for creative solutions to problems in communities of all kinds.

• Inch by Inch
• Swimmy

Arnold Lobel

Best for: Beginning readers building confidence; children who love animal friendships; families who appreciate gentle humor; parents wanting classic early reader series

Acclaimed author and illustrator Lobel illustrated nearly 100 books, and in his own titles, often featured animal characters and their adventures and misadventures.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends
• Fables

Rafael López

Best for: Latino families; children who appreciate vibrant, graphic art; readers interested in community themes; parents seeking books that celebrate cultural diversity

Passionate about using art to build community, artist, muralist, and illustrator López is a multiple Pura Belpré Award winner who brings his strong graphic style to books that reflect and honor the lives of all young people.

• We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands
• The Day You Begin (Written by Jacqueline Woodson)

Kelly Starling Lyons

Best for: Families interested in African American history; children who appreciate family stories; readers drawn to cultural traditions; parents seeking authentic Black voices

Lyons’ mission as an author to “transform moments, memories, and history into stories of discovery” includes a focus on aspects of African American history and culture.

• Going Down Home with Daddy (Illustrated by Daniel Minter)
• Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations (Illustrated by Keith Mallett)

James Marshall

Best for: Children who love silly humor; families who appreciate simple, whimsical art; readers who enjoy ridiculous characters; parents wanting lighthearted stories

Marshall turned his own tremendous wit and simplistic drawing style into unique, whimsical — and sometimes ridiculous — characters.

• Fox Outfoxed
• George and Martha

Juana Martinez-Neal

Best for: Latino families; children who appreciate rich, emotional artwork; readers interested in cultural identity; parents seeking books about belonging

Author and illustrator Martinez-Neal embraces wonder in the titles she writes and creates richly connected artwork that communicates deep emotions.

• Zonia’s Rain Forest
• Alma and How She Got Her Name

Robert McCloskey

Best for: Families who appreciate classic American settings; children who love detailed observational stories; readers interested in New England culture; parents wanting timeless stories

McCloskey turned his keen observational skills into award-winning titles that give readers a sense of home and a sense of belonging.

• Blueberries For Sal
• Make Way for Ducklings

Meg Medina

Best for: Latino families; children navigating cultural intersections; readers who appreciate authentic multicultural experiences; parents seeking award-winning diverse literature

Award-winning author Medina writes picture books, middle grade stories, and young adult fiction that examines how cultures intersect, as seen through the eyes of young people.

• Mango, Abuela, and Me
• Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away

Yuyi Morales

Best for: Bilingual families; children who appreciate spare, beautiful language; readers drawn to sumptuous artwork; parents wanting books that celebrate Mexican culture

Multiple Pura Belpré Award winner Morales, who thinks of everything in her life as an art project, uses spare language and sumptuous imagery in her picture books.

• Niño Wrestles the World
• Bright Star / Lucero

LeUyen Pham

Best for: Families who appreciate diverse artistic styles; children who love detailed illustrations; readers interested in various genres; parents wanting books by accomplished illustrators

Acclaimed illustrator of more than 100 children’s books, Pham worked in animation before turning to drawing and writing children’s books, and excels in a variety of artistic styles.

• A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play (Written by Marilyn Singer)
• Outside, Inside

Jerry Pinkney

Best for: Families interested in African American culture; children who appreciate detailed, realistic artwork; readers drawn to traditional stories; parents wanting books that honor Black themes

A revered artist, Pinkney delighted in the act of creation and was committed to reflecting Black themes and culture whenever possible in his more than one hundred titles.

• The Lion & the Mouse
• Mirandy and Brother Wind (Written by Patricia McKissack)

James E. Ransome

Best for: Families interested in historical stories; children who appreciate realistic illustrations; readers drawn to African American experiences; parents seeking books about historical figures

A frequent collaborator with his wife, author Lesa Cline Ransome, artist and illustrator Ransome is a big fan of history and often portrays realistic characters in historical or contemporary scenes.

• Before She Was Harriet (Written by Lesa Cline Ransome)
• This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration (Written by Jacqueline Woodson)

Raúl the Third

Best for: Mexican American families; children who appreciate colorful, lively art; readers interested in contemporary Latino experiences; parents seeking authentic cultural representation

The lively work of Pura Belpré Award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third centers around the contemporary Mexican American experience.

• ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market
• ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat

Christian Robinson

Best for: Families seeking diverse representation; children who appreciate animation-style art; readers drawn to stories about our diverse world; parents wanting inclusive books

Award-winning illustrator, author, animator, and designer Robinson began his career in animation and tells stories with pictures that reflect our diverse world.

• You Matter
• Another

Lane Smith

Best for: Families who appreciate experimental art; children who love quirky, playful styles; readers drawn to unique textures and techniques; parents wanting artistic innovation

Known for his playful, quirky style, two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Smith both writes and illustrates, experimenting with texture in the artwork he creates.

• Grandpa Green
• A Perfect Day

Traci Sorell

Best for: Families learning about Native American cultures; children interested in contemporary Indigenous experiences; readers seeking authentic Native voices; parents wanting award-winning, diverse literature

Sorell writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction for young people of all ages, focusing primarily on the contemporary lives of Native peoples.

• We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
• Powwow Day

William Steig

Best for: Families who appreciate sophisticated storytelling; children ready for layered meanings; readers who enjoy philosophical themes; parents wanting books that offer truths about the world

Steig wrote sophisticated stories layered with meaning that offer truths about the world to young readers.

• Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
• Brave Irene

Andrea Wang

Best for: Families exploring cultural identity; children interested in Asian American experiences; readers drawn to stories about belonging; parents seeking books about cultural intersections

A writer of nonfiction, middle grade, and picture books, Wang’s work explores culture, identity, and belonging.

• Watercress (Illustrated by Jason Chin)
• The Nian Monster (Illustrated by Alina Chau)

Mo Willems

Best for: Children who love humor; families dealing with big emotions; readers who appreciate simple, expressive art; parents wanting books that address emotional extremes

The award-winning Willems, who started in stand-up and television, creates books that are often hilarious but also deal with characters who are experiencing emotional extremes.

• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Vera B. Williams

Best for: Multicultural families; children who appreciate folk art; readers interested in working-class experiences; parents wanting books that celebrate ordinary activities

Williams conveyed the joys of ordinary activities in multicultural families in the picture books she wrote and illustrated in bold colors and a folk-art style.

• A Chair for My Mother
• Music, Music for Everyone

Jacqueline Woodson

Best for: Families wanting award-winning literature; children ready for complex themes; readers who appreciate poetic language; parents seeking books that explore different perspectives

Woodson, who has won lots of awards and has served as both the Young People’s Poet Laureate and the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, explores universal questions and different perspectives in her picture books as well as her middle grade and young adult titles.

• Each Kindness (Illustrated by E.B. Lewis)
• Show Way (Illustrated by Hudson Talbott)

Jane Yolen

Best for: Families who love fantasy and folklore; children who appreciate lyrical language; readers interested in diverse genres; parents wanting prolific, award-winning authors

The prolific and enchanting Yolen has written some 400 books, including nonfiction, science fiction, fantasy, poetry, and picture books.

• Owl Moon (Illustrated by John Schoenherr)
• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? (Illustrated by Mark Teague)

Ed Young

Best for: Families interested in Chinese culture; children who appreciate philosophical themes; readers drawn to unique artistic techniques; parents wanting books inspired by Chinese philosophy

Illustrator of more than 100 books for children, many of which he has also written, Caldecott Medalist Young finds inspiration for his work in the philosophy of Chinese painting.

• Wabi Sabi (Written by Mark Reibstein)
• Seven Blind Mice

Ages 6-9 (Picture Books and Chapter Books)

Monica Brown

Best for: Latino families; children interested in Hispanic heritage; readers who appreciate lively narratives; parents seeking authentic Latino voices

Brown’s lively narratives are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children.

• Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People (Illustrated by Julie Paschkis)
• Lola Levine Is Not Mean (Illustrated by Angela Dominguez)

Ashley Bryan

Best for: Families interested in African culture; children who love music and rhythm; readers drawn to folktales; parents wanting books that celebrate African heritage

Known for retelling African folktales in a distinct rhythmic prose, Bryan was an eclectic artist who fused painting, poetry, music, collage, and prose to tell stories.

• Beautiful Blackbird
• Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals

Jason Chin

Best for: Nature-loving children; families who appreciate detailed scientific illustration; readers interested in environmental themes; parents wanting accurate science information

Known for his stunning and detailed art, Caldecott Medalist Chin builds incredible visual stories, often about the natural world, in the children’s books he writes and/or illustrates.

• Grand Canyon
• Your Place in the Universe

Candace Fleming

Best for: Children who love humor; families who appreciate versatile storytelling; readers interested in both fiction and nonfiction; parents wanting engaging, lyrical texts

Fleming, a versatile author of books and stories for children and young adults, is known for her lively humor in picture books and chapter books, while her nonfiction picture books are praised for her intriguing, lyrical text.

• The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School
• Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera (Illustrated by Eric Rohmann)

Lee Bennett Hopkins

Best for: Families who love poetry; children who appreciate verse; readers interested in anthologies; parents wanting to introduce poetry to young readers

Hopkins, a prolific children’s poet, anthologist, and educator, strove to connect readers to verse to help them think differently about the world.

• Weather: Poems for All Seasons (Illustrated by Melanie Hall)
• Wonderful Words: Poems about Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening (Illustrated by Karen Barbour)

Patricia MacLachlan

Best for: Families who appreciate elegant, spare prose; children interested in historical fiction; readers drawn to stories about families; parents wanting emotionally resonant stories

Children and families are the subjects of most of MacLachlan’s elegant, spare, yet emotional historical and contemporary stories.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall
• Skylark

Patricia McKissack

Best for: Families interested in African American culture; children who love dramatic storytelling; readers drawn to historical figures; parents wanting authentic Black voices

McKissack, often in collaboration with her husband, Fredrick McKissack, showcased Black voices through children’s books and biographies with drama and flair.

• Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin and Turn It Out! Games, Songs, & Stories from an African American Childhood (Illustrated by Brian Pinkney)
• Miami Jackson Gets It Straight (Written with Fredrick McKissack)

Kadir Nelson

Best for: Families interested in African American history; children who appreciate realistic, detailed artwork; readers drawn to iconic imagery; parents wanting museum-quality illustrations

A painter who produces iconic images for magazines, album covers, stamps, and whose works are exhibited in major institutions, art galleries, and museums, Nelson brings his rich palette and naturalistic technique to his book illustrations.

• The Undefeated (Written by Kwame Alexander)
• I Have a Dream (Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

Best for: Families interested in African American heritage; children who appreciate collaborative artistic partnerships; readers drawn to biographical stories; parents wanting books that celebrate Black history

Working in collaboration for 30 years, the Pinkneys have collectively published some 70 books, with Brian Pinkney bringing a range of luminous artistic styles to titles authored by Andrea Davis Pinkney that celebrate the heritage of African Americans.

• Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra

Jack Prelutsky

Best for: Children who love silly, humorous poetry; families who enjoy wordplay; readers who appreciate wacky verses; parents wanting to introduce poetry through humor

One of the most popular children’s poets of all time, Prelutsky writes and compiles humorous collections of wonderfully wacky poems.

• It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles (Illustrated by James Stevenson)
• Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face and Other Poems (Illustrated by Brandon Dorman)

Cynthia Rylant

Best for: Beginning readers building confidence; families who appreciate gentle, straightforward storytelling; children who love animal characters; parents wanting popular early reader series

Author Rylant brings her straightforward style to many popular beginning-reader series in addition to her award-winning novels and picture books.

• Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea (Illustrated by Arthur Howard)
• The Storm (Illustrated by Preston McDaniels)

Jon Scieszka

Best for: Children who love humor and parody; families who appreciate clever wordplay; readers interested in fairy tale spoofs; parents wanting books that make reading fun

The first-ever National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Scieszka (rhymes with Fresca) writes playful and cheeky stories and spoofs on fairy tales.

• Science Verse (Illustrated by Lane Smith)
• The Knights of the Kitchen Table (Time Warp Trio) (Illustrated by Lane Smith)

Seymour Simon

Best for: Science-loving children; families who appreciate accurate scientific information; readers interested in nonfiction; parents wanting books that make science accessible

Simon, who writes about science in a way that is accurate, interesting, and accessible, is the author of nearly 300 highly acclaimed science books.

• Guts
• Destination: Moon

Melissa Stewart

Best for: Nature-loving children; families who appreciate firsthand research; readers interested in animal behavior; parents wanting accurate science information

Stewart, with degrees in biology and science journalism, explores the natural world and brings her firsthand research to some 200 science books for children.

• Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate (Illustrated by Sarah Brannen)
• Feathers: Not Just for Flying (Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen)

Duncan Tonatiuh

Best for: Latino families; children interested in social justice; readers who appreciate unique artistic styles; parents wanting books inspired by ancient art

The award-winning Tonatiuh takes inspiration from ancient Mixtec art, adding his own contemporary adaptations in his unique illustrations for his books, which often focus on issues of social justice.

• Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
• Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight

Carole Boston Weatherford

Best for: Families interested in African American history; children who appreciate poetry and rhythm; readers drawn to biographical stories; parents wanting books that honor forgotten struggles

Author and poet Weatherford “mines the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles” in books that often feature African American protagonists.

• Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane (Illustrated by Sean Qualls)
• Freedom in Congo Square (Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie)

Ages 9-12 (Illustrated Books, Middle Grade and Graphic Novels)

Katherine Applegate

Best for: Animal-loving children; readers ready for emotional depth; families who appreciate unique narrative perspectives; parents wanting award-winning literature

Award-winning author Applegate is skilled at stirring emotions by offering inside views and unique narrator perspectives.

• The One and Only Ivan
• Wishtree

Joseph Bruchac

Best for: Families interested in Native American culture; children who appreciate authentic Indigenous voices; readers drawn to traditional stories; parents wanting books that reflect Abenaki heritage

Bruchac makes authentic connections in the poetry, short stories, novels, anthologies, and music he creates that reflect his Abenaki Indian heritage and Native American traditions.

• Rez Dogs
• Two Roads

Sneed Collard III

Best for: Science-loving children; families who appreciate biology and natural history; readers interested in environmental themes; parents wanting accurate scientific information

With a background in biology, Collard introduces aspects of the natural world to children in a way that encourages them to see science as an integrated part of their lives.

• Woodpeckers: Drilling Holes and Bagging Bugs
• One Iguana, Two Iguanas: A Story of Accident, Natural Selection, and Evolution

Jerry Craft

Best for: Middle schoolers navigating social challenges; families who appreciate graphic novels; readers interested in diverse characters; parents wanting books about fitting in

Multiple award-winning author and illustrator of graphic novels, Craft is also celebrated for his syndicated newspaper comic strip, Mama’s Boyz.

• New Kid
• Class Act

Christopher Paul Curtis

Best for: Families interested in African American history; children who appreciate historical fiction; readers drawn to memorable characters; parents wanting books that bring history to life

The award-winning Curtis delivers fresh, memorable characters who bring history to life in a way that’s relevant for young readers.

• Bud, Not Buddy
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963

Kate DiCamillo

Best for: Animal-loving children; families who appreciate hope and belief themes; readers ready for sensitive, emotional stories; parents wanting beautifully crafted literature

DiCamillo beautifully crafts sensitive, often funny books woven with themes of hope and belief.

• Because of Winn-Dixie
• Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Virginia Hamilton

Best for: Families interested in African American literature; children ready for sophisticated themes; readers who appreciate diverse genres; parents wanting award-winning, diverse literature

Recipient of every major award in youth literature, revered author Hamilton celebrated the African American experience in her sophisticated, engaging picture books, folktales, mysteries, science fiction, realistic novels, and biographies.

• M.C. Higgins, The Great
• Zeely

Varian Johnson

Best for: Families seeking diverse representation; children who appreciate well-developed characters; readers interested in stories with kids of color as protagonists; parents wanting contemporary realistic fiction

Johnson, who writes rich, well-developed characters, wants to “see kids of color being the stars of all different types of stories.”

• The Parker Inheritance
• Twins (Illustrated by Shannon Wright)

Erin Entrada Kelly

Best for: Quiet children who feel like outsiders; families dealing with bullying; readers who appreciate sensitive character development; parents wanting books about building friendships

Award-winning author Kelly gives voice to quiet characters as she explores coming of age with sensitivity and honesty, dealing with issues such as bullying, building friendships, and feeling like an outsider.

• Hello, Universe
• We Dream of Space

Lois Lowry

Best for: Families who appreciate versatile storytelling; children ready for complex themes; readers interested in both light and serious topics; parents wanting award-winning literature

From subtle, light-hearted stories to books dealing with serious and complex topics, the award-winning Lowry has written such a wide range of books that her body of work cannot easily be categorized.

• Number the Stars
• The Giver

David Macaulay

Best for: Children fascinated by how things work; families who appreciate detailed technical illustrations; readers interested in architecture and engineering; parents wanting informational books with humor

Award-winning artist Macaulay, who trained as an architect, laces his informational titles with humor, brings gracefulness and clarity to how things work, and invites readers to stretch their minds.

• The Way Things Work Now
• Built to Last

Sy Montgomery

Best for: Nature-loving children; families who appreciate detailed narrative prose; readers interested in wildlife and conservation; parents wanting books that connect children to animals

Montgomery, a naturalist and lifelong explorer, connects readers to fellow creatures on Earth in her detailed narrative prose.

• Condor Comeback (Photographs by Tianne Strombeck)
• The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea (Photographs by Nic Bishop)

Walter Dean Myers

Best for: Families interested in African American experiences; children who appreciate authentic urban stories; readers drawn to poetic picture books; parents wanting books that portray diverse perspectives

Myers portrayed authentic views of African Americans in gripping novels for young adults and poetic picture book tributes, which were often illustrated by his son, Christopher Myers.

• Blues Journey (Illustrated by Christopher Myers)
• Jazz (Illustrated by Christopher Myers)

Linda Sue Park

Best for: Families interested in Korean culture; children who appreciate historical fiction; readers drawn to richly imagined stories; parents wanting award-winning, diverse literature

Award-winning author Park creates memorable characters and brings Korean history and culture vividly to life through her richly imagined stories for young readers.

• A Single Shard
• Prairie Lotus

Katherine Paterson

Best for: Families ready for challenging subjects; children who appreciate realistic emotional expression; readers interested in historical and contemporary fiction; parents wanting books that tackle difficult topics

With sensitive, realistic expressions of childhood emotions, Paterson tackles challenging subjects such as sibling rivalry, troubled children, and even death in her middle grade novels.

• Bridge to Terabithia
• Lyddie

Jason Reynolds

Best for: African American families; children who appreciate contemporary realistic fiction; readers interested in urban experiences; parents wanting books that help Black children feel seen

Reynolds writes masterful novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade readers to help Black children and teenagers feel seen in real life as well as in books.

• As Brave As You
• Stuntboy, in the Meantime (Illustrated by Raúl the Third)

Pam Muñoz Ryan

Best for: Families interested in Latino culture; children who appreciate strong female protagonists; readers drawn to historical fiction; parents wanting books about characters who defy conventions

In both her picture books and novels, Ryan often features daring female protagonists who defy the societal conventions of their time.

• Esperanza Rising
• Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs

Brian Selznick

Best for: Families who appreciate innovative storytelling; children who love detailed illustrations; readers interested in unique book formats; parents wanting award-winning artistic literature

Selznick explores all kinds of different ways that words and pictures interact in the books he creates, marrying intricate pencil illustrations with fascinating and accessible narrative.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret
• Wonderstruck

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Best for: Families interested in Native American perspectives; children who appreciate both realistic and fantasy stories; readers drawn to contemporary Indigenous voices; parents wanting authentic Native representation

Smith, who is also the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at Harper Children’s Books, writes both realistic contemporary stories and fantastical narratives.

• Indian Shoes
• Sisters of the Neversea

Gary Soto

Best for: Mexican American families; children who appreciate authentic cultural experiences; readers interested in realistic contemporary fiction; parents wanting books about growing up in Latino communities

Poet, novelist, and memoirist Soto deals with the realities of growing up in Mexican American communities in his works.

• The Skirt
• Baseball in April and Other Stories

Mildred Taylor

Best for: Families interested in African American history; children ready for serious historical themes; readers who appreciate family saga storytelling; parents wanting books about racism and civil rights

In her saga of the Logan family, award-winning author Taylor explores family ties and racism faced by African Americans in the rural South before the civil rights movement.

• The Land
• Let The Circle Be Unbroken

Raina Telgemeier

Best for: Middle schoolers navigating social challenges; families who appreciate graphic memoirs; readers interested in autobiographical stories; parents wanting books about growing up

Many of Telgemeier’s graphic novels are autobiographical and deeply personal, exploring her own family life and the challenges she faced growing up.

• Smile
• Sisters

Renée Watson

Best for: African American families; children who appreciate stories about Black girls; readers interested in themes of identity and belonging; parents wanting books that explore intersections of race, class, and gender

Watson, who writes for all ages of young readers, centers her work around the experiences of Black girls and women, and explores themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.

• Ways to Make Sunshine
• Some Places More Than Others

Rita Williams-Garcia

Best for: Families interested in recent American history; children who appreciate authentic young voices; readers drawn to historical fiction; parents wanting books rooted in real experiences

Williams-Garcia writes picture books for young readers and novels for young adults and middle grade readers that are often rooted in recent American history and brim with authentic voices of young people.

• One Crazy Summer
• Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

Gene Luen Yang

Best for: Families who appreciate graphic novels; children interested in coding and technology; readers drawn to comic book formats; parents wanting books that blend education with entertainment

A former teacher who served as the fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Yang writes (and sometimes draws) comic books and graphic novels.

• Secret Coders (Illustrated by Mike Holmes)
• Avatar: The Last Airbender — The Promise (Written with Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino)

Kelly Yang

Best for: Immigrant families; children who appreciate stories about community and resilience; readers interested in contemporary realistic fiction; parents wanting books about the immigrant experience

Yang’s experiences as an immigrant growing up in California shape the themes of family and community in her rich and engaging stories.

• Front Desk
• New From Here

Laurence Yep

Best for: Chinese American families; children interested in Asian American experiences; readers who appreciate fantasy and realistic fiction; parents wanting books that explore cultural identity

Yep writes books that draw from his Chinese American background yet speak to common feelings and experiences.

• Dragonwings
• The Tiger’s Apprentice

Build Lifelong Readers Through Great Literature

These 100 authors and illustrators represent just a fraction of the incredible talent creating children’s books today, but they offer a wonderful starting point for building your child’s personal library. Each creator brings unique gifts to the world of children’s literature—whether through innovative artistic techniques, authentic cultural representation, engaging storytelling, or the ability to address complex themes in age-appropriate ways.

As you explore these authors and illustrators with your child, remember that developing a love of reading is a process that unfolds over time. Some books will become instant favorites, while others might need to wait for the right developmental moment. The key is to keep offering rich, diverse reading experiences that match your child’s interests, abilities, and emotional readiness.

At Reading.com, we believe that strong foundational reading skills—built through systematic, explicit phonics instruction—give children the tools they need to access all of these wonderful books independently. When children can decode words confidently and fluently, they’re free to focus on the joy of story, the beauty of language, and the excitement of discovering new worlds through literature.

Ready to give your child the reading skills they need to enjoy all these amazing authors and illustrators? Our research-backed curriculum provides the systematic phonics instruction that unlocks independent reading, while our curated book recommendations help you find the perfect stories for your child’s reading level and interests. Start your free 7-day trial and watch your child’s love of reading flourish alongside their growing skills.