Nick Bruel is a beloved children's author and illustrator best known for his funny, fast-paced stories. His popular Bad Kitty series has won over young readers with its mischievous humor, expressive artwork, and wonderfully chaotic feline star.
If Nick Bruel's books make your reader laugh, these authors are well worth exploring next:
Mo Willems has a gift for creating playful, imaginative stories that immediately click with kids. His books are packed with funny scenarios, bold characters, and gentle lessons about friendship, feelings, and everyday challenges.
In Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Willems turns a simple premise into a laugh-out-loud interactive experience as readers try to stop one very determined pigeon from getting behind the wheel.
Dav Pilkey blends humor, action, and kid-friendly mischief in a way that keeps pages turning. His stories are full of visual jokes, goofy energy, and a rebellious spirit that especially appeals to reluctant readers.
Pilkey's book Captain Underpants follows two prank-loving friends whose homemade comic-book hero suddenly becomes all too real, unleashing absurd adventures and plenty of laughs along the way.
Aaron Blabey writes with a sharp sense of humor and a knack for lovable troublemakers. His books mix comedy with messages about teamwork, friendship, and the messy process of trying to do the right thing.
In his entertaining series The Bad Guys, Blabey introduces a gang of supposedly fearsome animals determined to become heroes, with hilariously uneven results that make the series hard to resist.
Tedd Arnold's books are delightfully silly and perfectly tuned to the way children think and imagine. With energetic illustrations and offbeat humor, he creates stories that feel both accessible and memorable.
Arnold's Fly Guy series follows a boy and his surprisingly smart pet fly through a string of quirky adventures that are especially fun for early readers.
Jory John writes humorous stories rooted in recognizable emotions and everyday social struggles. His books balance comedy with warmth, often touching on acceptance, self-image, and friendship in a way kids understand.
In his popular book The Bad Seed, John tells the story of a troublemaking seed trying, with mixed success, to change how others see him and how he sees himself.
Bob Shea brings big energy to every page. His stories are loud, silly, and full of comic timing, making them a great match for readers who love wild humor and expressive characters.
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime features a spirited dinosaur determined to defeat everything in his path, except perhaps bedtime itself. It's an excellent pick for fans of Bruel's playful chaos.
Lincoln Peirce combines comic-strip storytelling with sharp humor and very relatable school-age adventures. Like Nick Bruel, he captures the drama and absurdity of everyday kid life with plenty of personality.
His book series Big Nate: In a Class by Himself introduces the bold and mischievous Nate Wright, whose schemes, doodles, and confidence make for a consistently funny read.
Dan Santat creates imaginative, high-energy stories paired with vibrant, eye-catching artwork. His books often blend humor and heart, giving them the same lively appeal that makes Bruel's work so popular.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend highlights Santat's creativity through the story of an imaginary friend searching for the child who will imagine him at last. It's funny, sweet, and wonderfully original.
Ryan T. Higgins excels at writing stories about grumpy, lovable characters thrown into ridiculous situations. Much like Bruel, he finds comedy in misunderstandings, exaggerated reactions, and animal personalities with very human problems.
Mother Bruce tells the story of a grouchy bear who accidentally ends up caring for a family of geese, creating a hilarious animal tale with plenty of heart.
Ben Clanton's books are cheerful, charming, and full of gentle humor. His bright illustrations and playful storytelling make his work a natural fit for kids who enjoy funny characters and light, whimsical adventures.
In his book Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, readers meet Narwhal and Jelly, two underwater friends whose sweet, silly adventures celebrate curiosity, imagination, and friendship.
Elise Gravel has a wonderfully quirky style that stands out right away. Her books are funny, slightly odd in the best way, and filled with cartoonish illustrations that make them especially appealing to curious kids.
Try her hilarious book The Disgusting Critters Series: The Worm, which mixes amusing facts with lively visuals for a reading experience that's both educational and entertaining.
Raina Telgemeier writes graphic novels filled with believable situations, strong emotions, and characters kids instantly recognize. Her stories focus on family, friendship, school, and growing up, all told with warmth and humor.
If you like Nick Bruel's lively illustrations and comedic touch, you'll probably enjoy Telgemeier's storytelling too. Be sure to check out her book Smile, a graphic memoir about surviving middle school while dealing with major dental drama.
Cece Bell blends humor and honesty in stories that feel personal, funny, and deeply relatable. Her work often explores fitting in, overcoming challenges, and embracing what makes you different.
Her graphic novel El Deafo offers a witty and heartfelt look at growing up deaf, combining real emotional insight with plenty of charm and humor.
Kate DiCamillo writes with warmth, wit, and a deep understanding of characters readers care about right away. Her stories often center on kindness, courage, and friendship, with humor woven naturally throughout.
If you enjoy Nick Bruel's balance of comedy and heart, try Mercy Watson to the Rescue, a delightful story about a toast-loving pig whose adventures create all kinds of trouble.
Mac Barnett is known for inventive stories that take unexpected turns and deliver smart, surprising humor. His books often feel a little offbeat in the best possible way, which makes them especially fun to read aloud.
Readers who enjoy Nick Bruel's playful storytelling will likely feel right at home with Barnett. Don't miss Extra Yarn, a clever and charming tale about a girl whose magical box of yarn changes an entire town.
