Books like What do authors do?

An illuminating, step-by-step journey into the creative and practical world of making picture books. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with What do authors do?.

curious
creative
industrious

01
The art of Eric Carle
Eric Carle
A vibrant, nostalgic journey through the tissue-paper collages and creative mind of a beloved visual storyteller.
Shares:
- the creative process
02
Zoo
Gail Gibbons
A steady, dawn-to-dusk exploration of the bustling routines and hidden care that keep a zoo running.
Shares:
- curious
- informative
- accessible
03
Easter
Gail Gibbons
A bright, informative stroll through the history and joyful traditions of a beloved springtime holiday.
Shares:
- curious
- informative
04
Milk from cow to carton
Aliki
A gentle, step-by-step exploration that turns a simple glass of milk into a fascinating story of agriculture and everyday science.
Shares:
- curious
- informative
- accessible
05
A writer's notebook
Ralph Fletcher
An encouraging, gentle guide that invites young observers to capture the wonder, anger, and beauty of their everyday lives on the page.
Shares:
- encouraging
06
Truck
Donald Crews · 1980
A purely visual, kinetic journey that captures the satisfying rhythm of a truck's route from start to finish.
Feels:
- active
- visual
- kinetic
07
Freight train
Donald Crews · 1978
A mesmerizing, rhythmic rush of color and motion that captures the pure thrill of a passing train.
Feels:
- kinetic
- vibrant
- mesmerizing
08
Diary of a Worm
Doreen Cronin
A delightfully deadpan peek into the subterranean absurdities of growing up.
Feels:
- cheerful
- lighthearted
- earthy
09
My own two feet
Beverly Cleary · 1995
A warm, honest reflection on the transition from youth to adulthood and the quiet magic of finding your creative voice.
Feels:
- nostalgic
- comforting
- inspiring
10
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!
Karen Beaumont · 2005
A wildly energetic, toe-tapping celebration of childhood mess-making and unstoppable creativity.
Feels:
- chaotic
- joyful
- energetic
11
Share Your Smile
Raina Telgemeier
A warm, interactive invitation to turn your own memories and imagination into comic book magic.
Shares:
- creative
- encouraging
- accessible
12
Stars
Jennifer Dussling · 1996
A gentle, accessible journey into the night sky that nurtures a young reader's curiosity about the universe.
Shares:
- curious
- educational
- encouraging
- accessible

Back to What do authors do?