My Children’s Book List

by Frans Vischer
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16 books
As a children’s book author/illustrator, I look for something different in kids books. As an animator, I always appreciate good draftsmanship and unique stylization, and as a reader, I love being surprised. These books represent a small portion of the many children’s books I’ve read and admire. Not all are from juvenile writers, and some have no pictures. But all have meaning to me, and all have taught and/or entertained me a great deal.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl, 2016
Charlie’s family’s Dickensian existence, and his sheer belief in goodness helps him overcome great odds. Willie Wonka and his fantastical factory, and the cast of outsized characters are great fun. This book inspired me to begin writing.

Stitches

A Memoir
David Small, 2012
A dark, very personal graphic novel of Mr. Small’s painful childhood with alcoholic parents. The title refers to operations he needed following his parents’ negligence. He pulls no punches in his powerful storytelling and superb, cinematic artwork!

Skipping Christmas

A Novel
John Grisham, 2010
Though an adult book, this is nothing like Mr. Grisham’s thrillers. Here he has such fun with the characters and the situational plot, poking fun at suburbia and neighbors with too much time. This book also became a learning tool for my own writing, albeit for a younger age.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee, 2014
Technically not considered a Middle Grade novel, but I treat it as such. Great setting, social commentary with a racial, historical background, told from a child’s POV. A gripping read for both child and adult.

In Every Life

Marla Frazee, 2023
A sweet slice of life, vignettes capturing everyday moments show our common humanity- we are one human race with all the same emotions, needs for connecting, and sharing with those we love. Wonderful artwork too!

Bill Peet

An Autobiography
Bill Peet, 1989
A former Disney story artist, (like me,) Peet’s children’s books feature simple stories and fun characters and, (well ahead of their time,) an ecological view. His works, (and his life story,) helped inspire me to illustrate my own stories.

Green Eggs and Ham

Dr. Seuss, 2013

Hop on Pop

Dr. Seuss, 2015

The Cat in the Hat

Theodor Seuss Geisel, Seuss Dr, 편집부, Dr. Seuss, 1957
I love the silliness, weird characters, and clever word play. The Seuss books have a special meaning for me- starting school in America in sixth grade, , me learn to read in a new language.

The Giving Tree

Shel Silverstein, 2014
A simple, yet powerful story. Simplicity is often misunderstood- just as in drawing, it takes work to get an idea down to its basic core. (I love the wordplay in Where The Sidewalk Ends)

Eloise

The Absolutely Essential 60th Anniversary Edition
Kay Thompson, 2015
The Eloise books are wonderful, both the text and illustrations! Eloise is a naughty but lovable character, and Mr. Knight perfectly captures the settings. His personality character drawings are exquisite.

King Hugo's Huge Ego

Chris Van Dusen, 2011

Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee

Chris Van Dusen, 2011
These are two great examples of hilarious, silly and beautifully illustrated picture books. The staging, humor, color and writing in Mr. Van Dusen’s books are a delight!

Crankenstein

Samantha Berger, 2013

Are We There Yet?

Dan Santat, 2016
Both books speak to kids and adults alike. Learning patience and getting along with others can be difficult, and these books speak beautifully to kids. The illustrations are powerful as well as funny.

The Essential Calvin And Hobbes

Bill Watterson, 1988
Though technically a comic strip, Calvin and Hobbs is published in book form too, so I’m including it. Watterson is a master at depicting children’s imaginative escapism and adults’ inability to understand or appreciate this, all done in wonderfully entertaining little drawings. Reading the strip, I always related to Calvin until I became a parent, reading one of the books to my son. Calvin did something to annoy his father, and my son and I both laughed at Dad’s outburst. Then I realized I was a father, and consequently the inevitable straight man.