Favorite Authors and Illustrators

Not sure where to begin?  Here are the names of some popular authors and/or illustrators for young children.  There are many authors/illustrators out there creating beautiful books for children.  This is a jumping off place and far from a comprehensive list.

Eric Carle  -Many of Eric Carle’s books include basic concepts such as counting or colors.  The Very Hungry Caterpillar is probably his best known work.
 
Karen Katz  -Karen Katz has created many popular lift-the-flap books and picture books for young children.  The topics in her books range from learning to use a potty to sharing. 

Theodor Geisel (AKA Dr. Seuss) -Dr. Seuss is probably best known for The Cat in The Hat.  Rhyme and rhythm feature prominently in Dr. Seuss' books, making them a good choice for reading aloud.  His contribution to children's literature was so profound that the American Library Association recently established an award, in his name, to be given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the best book for beginning readers. 

Margaret Wise Brown -Margaret Wise Brown is the author of the classic Goodnight Moon which has been a bedtime favorite of children for generations.  Her books contain simple stories and charming illustrations.

Kevin Henkes -Kevin Henkes has written everything from early picture books to novels.  Children will grow to love his collection of memorable characters, many of whom show up in more than one of his books.  His board books will charm the youngest readers, while the mouse picture books will delight those with a slightly longer attention span. 

Rosemary Wells -Rosemary Wells may be best known for the bunny siblings Max and Ruby.  Her books range from simple concept books to more elaborate picture books.  Children enjoy her brightly illustrated animal characters.

David Shannon -David Shannon's work also ranges from very simple books to more complex stories. Children will enjoy his vibrant illustrations.  Everyone will laugh along at the antics of the main character in No David!

Mem Fox -Mem Fox has written a variety of wonderful books for children.  Her soothing rhymes make Time for Bed a toddler bedtime favorite.

Ezra Jack Keats -Ezra Jack Keats may be best known for the classic The Snowy Day.  He was one of the first American authors to use minority children as the central characters in his stories.

Audrey Wood -Audrey Wood is the author of over 30 children's books.  Her stories range from simple rhyming texts and patterns to more complex stories.  The Napping House is a funny children's favorite.

Robert Munsch-Robert Munsch's picture books range from touching to hilarious and are often both.  Children will giggle about his exaggerated characters and outlandish situations.

Tana Hoban -Most of Tana Hoban's books have very little text.  She used photographs or simple illustrations to present basic concepts including numbers, colors, shapes, letters, and animals.  Tana Hoban's books are wonderful for even the youngest readers and the strong visual images invite discussion.