William Joyce Picture Books books in order

William Joyce's picture books span nearly four decades of illustrated storytelling, from the retro-styled George Shrinks to the Oscar-winning The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 William Joyce’s Mother Goose 1984 William Joyce Buy
2 George Shrinks 1985 William Joyce Buy
3 Bently and Egg 1992 William Joyce Buy
4 Santa Calls 1993 William Joyce Buy
5 The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs 1996 William Joyce Buy
6 Buddy 1997 William Joyce Buy
7 The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore 2011 William Joyce Buy
8 The Mischievians 2013 William Joyce Buy
9 The Numberlys 2014 William Joyce Buy
10 A Bean, a Stalk and a Boy Named Jack 2014 William Joyce Buy
11 Billy’s Booger 2015 William Joyce Buy
12 Scarecrow and the Nightingale 2020 William Joyce Buy

William Joyce’s picture books showcase his distinctive illustration style across nearly four decades of work. From William Joyce’s Mother Goose (1984) through Scarecrow and the Nightingale (2020), these books display the rich color palettes, detailed compositions, and whimsical sensibility that have made Joyce one of the most recognized names in children’s illustration.

Highlights include George Shrinks (1985), about a boy who wakes up tiny; Santa Calls (1993), an adventure set in a fantastical North Pole; The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs (1996); and The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2011), which celebrates the magic of books and reading. Each title reflects Joyce’s ability to create worlds that feel both familiar and impossible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the William Joyce Picture Books series?

There are 12 books in the William Joyce Picture Books series, published between 1984 and 2020.

What is the first book in the William Joyce Picture Books series?

The first book in the William Joyce Picture Books series is William Joyce’s Mother Goose, published in 1984.

Which William Joyce picture book won an Academy Award?

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore inspired an animated short film that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2012. Joyce then adapted the film back into a picture book in 2011.

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