Brian Selznick is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including The Invention of Hugo Cabret, winner of the Caldecott medal and the basis for the Oscar-winning movie Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese. Kaleidoscope, a novel in short stories, was called a “lockdown masterpiece” by the New York Times, and his newest book Big Tree, inspired by an idea from Steven Spielberg, was named one of the Best Children's books of 2023 by The New York Times, and the audio book, narrated by Meryl Streep, was nominated for a Grammy.
He’s also the author and illustrator of Wonderstruck, which was made into a movie by Todd Haynes with a screenplay by Brian.
Other books include The Marvels, The Doll People trilogy by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley (winner of a Caldecott Honor) and Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan. Brian and his husband David Serlin collaborated on a 158 page beginning reader called Baby Monkey, Private Eye.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved Harry Potter series, Brian created new covers and a box for all seven books.
Brian wrote the story for a new version of The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, choreographed by Tony Award winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon (An American In Paris).
Brian has worked professionally as a puppeteer with Basil Twist, and he’s created three toy theater pieces directed by Dan Hurlin.
His book (his first for an adult audience), Live Oak, With Moss, is based on twelve poems by Walt Whitman.
Brian graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1988. He got his start in children’s books as an independent bookseller at Eeyore’s Books for Children on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where he learned all about books from his boss Steve Geck, who is now an editor at Source Books. Brian used to paint and design the windows at the stores for holidays and book events.
He has a sister who taught kindergarten for many years, a brother who is a brain surgeon, six nephews, a niece, and five godchildren.
Brian is married to Dr. David Serlin, a writer, editor, and professor at the University of California, San Diego. They divide their time between San Diego, California and Brooklyn, New York.
