If you are anything like me, you have a few select children’s book authors that you have shared with your kids. But after those, you might be asking yourself, “who else is out there?” Here’s my list of authors that you need to share with the little loves in your life.
Eric Carle
With an array of books ranging from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to The Grouchy Ladybug, Eric Carle has something that many authors do not, the ability to both write and draw. Mr. Carle not only draws his young readers in with the words on the page but also with his use of color in all of his illustrations.
Langston Hughes
When looking for something for your older child, might I suggest Langston Hughes? He was a wordsmith when it comes to poetry. I personally adored Dream Keeper and Other Poems growing up.
Theodor Geisel
What list of children’s book authors would be complete without Theodor Geisel? You may be scratching your head right now wondering who this Geisel character is. Well, question no more. Theodor Geisel is the one and only DR. SEUSS. The fun-loving author has captivated children for almost a century. Whether it’s the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket, or My Many Colored Days, Dr. Seuss truly has something for everyone – both big and small.
Judy Blume
If you’ve ever been a young girl or raised a young girl, you’ve heard of Judy Blume. But did you know that Ms. Blume also writes books for young adults, too? She honestly is an author that can grow with your young reader.
Roald Dahl
When I think back on my childhood I feel like it wouldn’t be complete without a certain candy man, Willy Wonka to be exact. The world has Roald Dahl to thank for the enigmatic candy maker who leaves his factory and fortune to a little boy named Charlie. Another staple of childhood brought to life by Mr. Dahl would be the precocious young girl, Matilda.
Beverly Cleary
In grade school, my love of reading was born. And more than anyone else on this list, I have Beverly Cleary to thank for that. With such original stories like The Mouse and the Motorcycle, The Ramona Quimby Collection, and Henry Huggins, a child can’t help but fall in love with the written word.
John Steptoe
A name that not all may know, but should learn is John Steptoe. Although he died at the young age of 38, he spent 20 years writing books for children. Mr. Steptoe also managed to be awarded the Caldecott Award for two of his books. His book Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters brought cultural diversity to the forefront for its time. I feel safe in saying that the world of children’s books would be much larger had his life not been cut so short.
E.B. White
If you know of a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, then you definitely know of the great E.B. White. Along with the Newbery Award-winning classic Charlotte’s Web, Mr. White was the man responsible for books such as Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan just to name a couple.
Maurice Sendak
Where The Wild Things Are is hands down a favorite around our house. Maurice Sendak, like Eric Carle, both authored and illustrated his most notable work. Although his name is synonymous with his Wild Things work, he spent the better part of sixty years sharing both his love for the written word and his beautiful art with the world.
David Shannon
This last author is a relative newcomer, but also a well-deserved writer. David Shannon burst on to the children’s book scene in 1988 as an illustrator of other authors’ works. That all changed in 1994. That magical year, David Shannon began writing children’s books of his own. His name is most commonly linked with his collection of books whose titles bare his name. From No David to Uh-oh David, and David Goes to School, Mr. Shannon has fascinated children around the globe with his somewhat autobiographical books.
“Quiet people have the loudest minds.”
― Stephen King
What books do you plan to share with your children this month? Are there any authors who didn’t make my list that you think should have? If so, drop your thoughts in the comments section down below.
