100 books like The Incredible Book Eating Boy

By Oliver Jeffers,

Here are 100 books that The Incredible Book Eating Boy fans have personally recommended if you like The Incredible Book Eating Boy. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Seven Silly Eaters

Heather Hartt-Sussman Author Of Noni Says No

From my list on picture books parents will love.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have written seven picture books, one of which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and many of which have been award nominees. My books have been translated into five languages and are enjoyed by kids from Denmark to Korea. As a mom, I know that when a child loves a book they want it read to them repeatedly. That’s why I admire books that are written for the enjoyment of both the adult and the child. I dislike preachy books filled with lessons. I prefer when books entertain and contain a nugget of gold that readers can take with them when the book is done.

Heather's book list on picture books parents will love

Heather Hartt-Sussman Why did Heather love this book?

I love this book as a parent because it is a joy to read. Its rhyme is sheer perfection (which is hard to pull off) and the conclusion is pure genius, as Hoberman deftly weaves a tapestry out of seemingly random strings. This is a hilarious book about a mother who grows more and more weary from the demands of her seven children and their very particular and fussy eating habits. This kitchen-bound, short-order-chef hero of a mom gets a lovely surprise at the end that makes all the chaos seem worth it. Kids will giggle, moms (or dads or other caregivers) will relate.

By Mary Ann Hoberman, Marla Frazee (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Seven Silly Eaters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A funny picture book about solving—finally!—a growing family's picky-eater problem!

Peter wants only milk, Lucy won’t settle for anything but homemade lemonade, and Jack is stuck on applesauce...

Each new addition to the household brings a new demand for a special meal. What’s a mother to do?

"A highly comic rhyming romp that surprisingly (and nicely) twists into a birthday story.” —School Library Journal

"Hoberman's riotous tale is spun like a Seussian fable." —New York Times Book Review


Book cover of The Word Collector

Heather Hartt-Sussman Author Of Noni Says No

From my list on picture books parents will love.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have written seven picture books, one of which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and many of which have been award nominees. My books have been translated into five languages and are enjoyed by kids from Denmark to Korea. As a mom, I know that when a child loves a book they want it read to them repeatedly. That’s why I admire books that are written for the enjoyment of both the adult and the child. I dislike preachy books filled with lessons. I prefer when books entertain and contain a nugget of gold that readers can take with them when the book is done.

Heather's book list on picture books parents will love

Heather Hartt-Sussman Why did Heather love this book?

This is another fave of mine because the protagonist is a boy who collects words (rather than stamps or baseball cards). He saves the words he’s learned in a scrapbook until one day, he trips and his words go flying into the air and land in a jumble on the floor. What he discovers are odd and interesting pairings of words he wouldn’t have thought go together. The result is poetic. Finally, he takes a big sack of words to the top of a hill and scatters them into the wind so other kids will make their own connections. This book is fantastic for kids and adults who love words.

By Peter H. Reynolds,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Word Collector as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

From the beloved bestselling creator of The Dot and our own Happy Dreamer comes an inspiring story about the transformative and profound power of words.

A New York Times BestsellerNamed an Outstanding Literary Work for Children by the NAACPSome people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And Jerome? Jerome collected words . . . In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.From the creator…


Book cover of The Day the Crayons Quit

Lou Kuenzler Author Of Calm Down, Zebra

From my list on artistic expression.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a children’s writer I have to draw on my own creativity, celebrate my own ideas and quash self-doubt every time I work on a story. I teach creative writing, run workshops, and visit schools regularly – above all, I want to instill courage and the love of bold imagination in children. Picture book age children have such fantastic creativity and joyous wonder at the world around them. How wonderful to see that creative energy reflected back in a story which will hopefully spark more journeys into wonderful invented places, spaces, pictures, and tales. Imagination has brought me such great joy, I hope I can pass a spark of that onwards...

Lou's book list on artistic expression

Lou Kuenzler Why did Lou love this book?

A glorious, mini rebellion of colour and newfound artistic freedom. This deservedly popular picture book is as smart and funny as the youngsters it is aimed at.  Each new character we meet is wonderfully individual and uniquely creative. A rainbow of inspiration! Who knew we could care about crayons so much? Bliss!

By Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Day the Crayons Quit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

The Number One New York Times Bestseller!

Debut author Drew Daywalt and international bestseller Oliver Jeffers team up to create a colourful solution to a crayon-based crisis in this playful, imaginative story that will have children laughing and playing with their crayons in a whole new way.

Poor Duncan just wants to colour in. But when he opens his box of crayons, he only finds letters, all saying the same thing: We quit!

Beige is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown, Blue needs a break from colouring in all that water, while Pink just wants to be used. Green…


Book cover of Waiting Is Not Easy!

Heather Hartt-Sussman Author Of Noni Says No

From my list on picture books parents will love.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have written seven picture books, one of which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and many of which have been award nominees. My books have been translated into five languages and are enjoyed by kids from Denmark to Korea. As a mom, I know that when a child loves a book they want it read to them repeatedly. That’s why I admire books that are written for the enjoyment of both the adult and the child. I dislike preachy books filled with lessons. I prefer when books entertain and contain a nugget of gold that readers can take with them when the book is done.

Heather's book list on picture books parents will love

Heather Hartt-Sussman Why did Heather love this book?

Any impatient adult or child will tell you that waiting is indeed not for the faint of heart. In this book, which is a part of the early reader Elephant and Piggie series, Piggie has a surprise for Gerald the Elephant. But he must wait for it, and wait and wait and wait. As he waits, Gerald’s groans grow louder, illustrated typographically with ever-enlarging speech bubbles. The ending shows previously frustrated Gerald the Elephant proclaiming that the surprise was well worth the wait. And indeed it is!!

By Mo Willems,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Waiting Is Not Easy! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Waiting Is Not Easy!, Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, but he is going to have to wait for it. And Wait. And wait some more...


Book cover of Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

Benson Shum Author Of First Night of Howlergarten

From my list on inclusion and being true to yourself.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I was always the outcast. I wasn't the smartest in class. I wasn't the strongest in sports. I was always the shy kid in the back, trying not to make a noise. But when I made a connection with someone or they made the effort to say hi. I treasured our friendship. I love writing and sharing stories where we are talking about inclusion and building empathy toward each other. I hope you will enjoy these books on the list.

Benson's book list on inclusion and being true to yourself

Benson Shum Why did Benson love this book?

Mr. Tiger wanted to be wild. He didn't like wearing shirts and top hats.

With his bravery, he decided to go wild and run without clothing. The town didn't know what to think, but after seeing Mr. Tiger being so free, they decided to give it a try. And things started to change and the town became more inclusive.

When we are free to be ourselves, others will see that and build empathy and question, how would that make me feel?

By Peter Brown,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Mr. Tiger Goes Wild as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mr. Tiger lived a perfectly proper life in a perfectly proper city. And everything was perfectly fine...until the day he had a wonderfully wild idea! Why choose to stay in the stuffy city when there is a whole wide world of wilderness and wildness to explore? So Mr. Tiger bounds off on an adventure to discover where he really belongs. From beloved author Peter Brown and using a brand-new art style, Mr. Tiger Goes Wild shows us that there's a time and place for everything. Even going wild.


Book cover of The Fly: How a Perfect Day Can Turn into a Nightmare

Diego Vaisberg Author Of Dino

From my list on album books to unleash your children´s imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I'm the head behind DGPH illustration and design studio. I'm also an illustration professor of the illustrator major at Palermo University (UP). My passion for kids books and illustration turned me into a full time illustrator combining both passions, illustration, and design. And with time, I started writing my own stories too.

Diego's book list on album books to unleash your children´s imagination

Diego Vaisberg Why did Diego love this book?

An amazing story with a twist that will give your kids a big laugh at the end. A short simple story about how things can turn really bad in just a second...The collage technique along the book using everyday objects to create the illustrations gives this book a unique sense of art style that makes the story even funnier. And also lets the kids make their own interpretation.

By Gusti,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Fly as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A spectacular debut to delight young and old, this book is the story of a cheerful insect's fun day at the beach turning into a nightmare. A crazy, hilarious tale in the vein of the bestselling The Little Mole who knew it was none of his business.


Book cover of Don't Cross the Line!

Diego Vaisberg Author Of Dino

From my list on album books to unleash your children´s imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I'm the head behind DGPH illustration and design studio. I'm also an illustration professor of the illustrator major at Palermo University (UP). My passion for kids books and illustration turned me into a full time illustrator combining both passions, illustration, and design. And with time, I started writing my own stories too.

Diego's book list on album books to unleash your children´s imagination

Diego Vaisberg Why did Diego love this book?

This is one of those books, where not only the words and illustrations make the story, but also the pages and book format are part of the plot, where the book´s gutter is one of the main characters. A book to have on paper! A story about community and peaceful revolutions, and how things can be changed with dialogue and working together. 

By Isabel Minhos Martins, Bernardo Carvalho (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Cross the Line! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

The guard always follows the general's orders without question. This time, the order is that no one must cross the line! The right-hand page of this book must be kept blank for the general. As the crowd builds up on the border, the guard is under pressure. If no one is allowed onto the next page, what will happen to the story?

And then a ball bounces across the line . . .

This slapstick postmodern tale is also a profound statement about dictatorship and peaceful revolution, from an award-winning author/illustrator team.


Book cover of El Pequeño Planeta Perdido

Diego Vaisberg Author Of Dino

From my list on album books to unleash your children´s imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I'm the head behind DGPH illustration and design studio. I'm also an illustration professor of the illustrator major at Palermo University (UP). My passion for kids books and illustration turned me into a full time illustrator combining both passions, illustration, and design. And with time, I started writing my own stories too.

Diego's book list on album books to unleash your children´s imagination

Diego Vaisberg Why did Diego love this book?

This book marked my childhood in the '80s (there is a modern version but the original is the one), being one of the main reasons I do what I do. This is the story of an astronaut that lands on a planet far far away, after running out of fuel. Somehow everyone on earth can hear his loneliness and tries to help. It is a beautiful story about self-understanding and helping others, that mixes illustrations and photographs, allowing children's imaginations to flow: the little planet is represented by an orange photo and the rocket is just a regular bread piece, which as a kid blew my mind.  

By Ziraldo Alves Pinto,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked El Pequeño Planeta Perdido as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cierta vez enviaron a un hombre al espacio en dirección a un planeta perdido. Era un planeta tan distante que el combustible se terminó cuando llegó por fin a destino. El astronauta quedó atrapado y solo en su nuevo mundo.pero por algún extraño fenómeno de sintonía su voz se escuchaba claramente en la tierra... Una historia de amor diferente simple y conmovedora.


Book cover of The Book of Lost Things

Lisa Preziosi Author Of The Ice Maiden's Tale

From my list on when you have a soft spot for fairy tales.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I can remember, I’ve loved fairy tales. Stories that start once upon a time, somewhere far, far away. Those words are both comforting and exciting. I am fascinated by their evolution and prevalence in different cultures and genres. That same story can be told in a million different ways that are familiar, and completely new. I used a fairy tale to complete my writing minor, then submitted that same story for a Masters writing program, transforming it into my thesis, which became my first published book. I’ve spent a career reading and writing fairy tales, and I hope this list helps you love them as much as I do.

Lisa's book list on when you have a soft spot for fairy tales

Lisa Preziosi Why did Lisa love this book?

This book starts in that familiar way fairy tales do, with a child that loses their mother and now must contend with that loss, a new stepmother, and then a half-sibling. Set in the modern world, our young protagonist hears books whispering to him and dreams of “The Crooked Man”. He finds himself in a dark fairy tale world full of odd and often terrifying characters. The story unfolds like a psychological thriller wrapped in lovely, lyrical prose, that keeps you turning pages until the very end.

By John Connolly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Book of Lost Things as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

'A brilliantly creepy coming of age novel' Daily Mirror

'A moving fable, brilliantly imagined, about the agony of loss and the pain of young adulthood' The Times

'This is no saccharine fairytale, but an eerie fable that's perfect for long winter nights' Daily Mail

This illustrated edition includes two new short stories - Cinderella, A Version and The Rat King, the latter introducing the Crooked Man who is central to the world of The Book of Lost Things - and an afterword from the author.

'Once upon a time, there was a boy who lost his mother . . .'…


Book cover of Mistakes Were Made

Jessica Brody Author Of Amelia Gray Is Almost Okay

From my list on for tweens to make parents wonder what’s so funny.

Why am I passionate about this?

Most people are surprised to hear I wasn’t a reader growing up. All the books I was assigned to read in school were too serious or sad. It wasn’t until I started reading comedy, that I really got into reading. Now, I read everything under the sun, but comedy is still what I love to write. I write the kind of books that I wish I had found as a tween. And to this day, the best compliment I receive is when a parent tells me one of my books made their kid laugh or better yet, turned their reluctant reader into a reader. As a writer, there’s no better feeling! 

Jessica's book list on for tweens to make parents wonder what’s so funny

Jessica Brody Why did Jessica love this book?

When I read the first line of this book, “It’s harder to drive a polar bear into somebody’s living room than you’d think,” I knew I had stumbled upon something good.

And I was right. How can you not love a book that starts with a polar bear being driven into a living room? How can you not want to keep reading to find out why exactly this polar bear is being driven into a living room? I rest my case.  

By Stephan Pastis,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Mistakes Were Made as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The movie tie-in edition of the award-winning and hugely popular adventures of Timmy Failure and his polar bear sidekick Total, who create chaos as they attempt to make sense of the world in the first book in the New York Times bestselling series.

Riotously funny and perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates and Barry Loser, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made has been listed as one of 100 Children's Modern Classics by The Sunday Times and was chosen for inclusion in Tom Fletcher's second book club.

Meet Timmy Failure, founder of the "best" detective agency in town - Total…


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