Jon Klassen author page

Jon Klassen biography

Jon Klassen is a Canadian author and illustrator known for his work in children’s literature. He studied animation at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. Klassen began his career working as an illustrator and designer, contributing to animated films and various illustration projects.

Klassen is the creator of the picture book I Want My Hat Back, which was published by Candlewick Press in 2011. The book received critical recognition and established his reputation for a distinctive illustrative style and understated storytelling. He followed this with This Is Not My Hat in 2012, also published by Candlewick Press. This book was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2013.

In addition to his solo projects, Klassen has collaborated with other authors. He illustrated Extra Yarn (2012), written by Mac Barnett, and the pair have worked together on several other titles, including Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (2014) and Triangle (2017). Klassen’s illustrations are noted for their use of muted colours and expressive characters.

Klassen has continued to write and illustrate picture books, including We Found a Hat (2016), which completes the hat trilogy begun with his earlier works. His books have been published by Candlewick Press and Walker Books in the UK.

In 2021, Jon Klassen published The Rock from the Sky with Walker Books.

• Author biography
• Author website