Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a standout author-illustrator in children's literature, celebrated for the wildly entertaining Lunch Lady series and the deeply moving memoir Hey, Kiddo. His books blend humor, heart, and honesty in a way that resonates with young readers and adults alike.
If you enjoy Jarrett J. Krosoczka's books, these authors are well worth exploring next:
Dav Pilkey creates laugh-out-loud stories packed with high energy, goofy charm, and unforgettable illustrations. His books are wonderfully silly, but they also carry a lot of heart.
In Captain Underpants, Pilkey introduces two prank-loving boys who accidentally bring a ridiculous superhero to life. Readers drawn to Krosoczka's playful humor and comic sensibility will feel right at home here.
Raina Telgemeier is known for graphic novels that capture family, friendship, and school life with warmth and clarity. Her expressive artwork and natural storytelling make everyday experiences feel vivid and meaningful.
In Smile, she shares a personal story about braces, awkward moments, and growing confidence. If you admire Krosoczka's honesty and emotional openness, Telgemeier is an excellent choice.
Cece Bell writes imaginative graphic novels rooted in real feeling and lived experience. Her artwork is inviting, and her stories balance humor with genuine emotional insight.
In El Deafo, Bell draws on her own childhood hearing loss to tell a funny, compassionate story about friendship, difference, and self-acceptance. Readers who appreciate Krosoczka's mix of humor and depth will likely connect with her work.
Mo Willems has a gift for turning simple situations into hilarious, memorable stories. With expressive illustrations and snappy dialogue, he makes even everyday interactions feel delightfully dramatic.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! pulls kids directly into the joke, inviting them to respond to one very determined pigeon. Fans of Krosoczka's energetic, kid-friendly humor should enjoy Willems immensely.
Lincoln Peirce specializes in school-centered comedy, pairing comic-strip style art with stories that feel both exaggerated and familiar. His books are full of mishaps, mischief, and plenty of attitude.
In Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, he introduces a kid who is constantly in trouble but never short on confidence. Readers who enjoy Krosoczka's lively pacing and humor will find a similar spark in Peirce's work.
Jeff Kinney blends cartoons, comedy, and everyday middle school disasters into books that are instantly accessible. His style is simple, sharp, and especially good at capturing the small humiliations of growing up.
His bestselling series begins with Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which follows Greg Heffley through one awkward experience after another. If you like Krosoczka's approachable storytelling and humor, Kinney is a natural next read.
Jennifer L. Holm writes warm, funny stories with believable characters and strong emotional undercurrents. Her books often focus on family, friendship, and the small but meaningful challenges of growing up.
Readers who enjoy Krosoczka's blend of sincerity and lightness may want to try Holm's graphic novel Sunny Side Up, about a girl spending the summer with her grandfather in Florida while quietly dealing with family struggles.
Gene Luen Yang creates thoughtful graphic novels that explore identity, family, and belonging. His work combines smart visual storytelling with emotionally rich themes, often in surprising ways.
American Born Chinese is a standout, weaving together multiple storylines about adolescence, culture, and self-acceptance. Readers who value the emotional honesty in Krosoczka's books may find Yang's work especially rewarding.
Dan Santat brings dynamic artwork and a strong sense of movement to his stories. His books often feature unusual characters, imaginative premises, and a generous emotional core.
Those who enjoy Krosoczka's bold visuals and engaging storytelling may appreciate The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, a sweet and whimsical picture book about an imaginary friend searching for the child who will imagine him.
Kate Beaton is known for sharp wit, lively cartooning, and a wonderfully offbeat sense of humor. Her comics often put fresh spins on history, literature, and everyday absurdity.
Readers who respond to the originality and comic timing in Krosoczka's work may enjoy Hark! A Vagrant, a clever collection filled with playful takes on famous figures and historical moments.
Jerry Craft writes graphic novels that are funny, perceptive, and emotionally grounded. His stories explore school, friendship, family, and identity with a voice that feels authentic and inviting.
A great place to start is New Kid, which follows Jordan Banks, an artistic seventh-grader adjusting to a prestigious new school where he feels out of place. Like Krosoczka, Craft knows how to balance humor with real emotional stakes.
Victoria Jamieson writes graphic novels about friendship, self-discovery, and perseverance with warmth and ease. Her stories feel genuine, funny, and deeply relatable.
That appeal is on full display in Roller Girl, a thoughtful and energetic story about roller derby, shifting friendships, and growing confidence. Readers who enjoy Krosoczka's heartfelt side should give her a look.
Vera Brosgol has a talent for mixing humor, vulnerability, and coming-of-age insight. Her graphic novels capture the awkwardness of childhood without ever losing sight of its comedy.
In Be Prepared, she draws on her own experiences at Russian summer camp to tell a funny, uncomfortable, and very recognizable story about trying to fit in. Fans of Krosoczka's honesty and humor may find a lot to love here.
Kazu Kibuishi is a terrific pick for readers who enjoy graphic storytelling with a stronger fantasy element. His books feature vivid worlds, cinematic action, and themes of courage, loyalty, and family.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper opens an exciting series in which siblings Emily and Navin enter a hidden world to try to save their mother. If you like visual storytelling that pulls you in fast, Kibuishi is well worth reading.
Jon Scieszka writes clever, irreverent stories full of wordplay, surprise, and comic mischief. His books often take familiar ideas and twist them into something fresh and funny.
One of his best-known titles, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, retells a classic fairy tale from the wolf's point of view. Readers who enjoy Krosoczka's sense of fun and playful storytelling should find Scieszka a great match.
