“Snider helps children (and adults) look beyond the darkness and see the beautiful colors that appear in the night. [What Color is Night?] opens children’s eyes and minds to things they don’t often think about and offers endless possibilities for exploration.” — School Library Journal

Grant Snider began writing and drawing as a kid, creating pictures, poems, and stories from his imagination—often in collaboration with his twin brother, Gavin. His most recent book for young readers, Poetry Comics, was a USA Today Bestseller.

In college Grant began drawing comics for the student newspaper at the University of Kansas. He began posting his weekly comic strip, Incidental Comics, online, where gained a worldwide audience. Incidental Comics has been featured in the Best American Comics anthology and collected in a series of books, including The Shape of Ideas and I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf, a 2020 Goodreads Choice Award finalist.

Grant is a frequent contributor to The New York Times Book Review and the author/illustrator of many picture books, including What Color is Night?, and One Boy Watching, a New York Times Best Children’s Book of 2022.

Grant lives with his wife and kids in Wichita, Kansas, where he also works as an orthodontist. His hobbies include reading, running, drawing, and redrawing.

Grant's Featured Titles

Thinking About Thinking: Impossible Thoughts and Complicated Feelings

Abrams ComicArts |
Graphic Novel

A playful examination of the way we think (and overthink) by cartoonist Grant Snider, creator of Incidental Comics, which appear regularly in the New York Times Book Review

Thinking About Thinking—the latest sly and charming collection of one- and two-page haiku-like comics from cartoonist Grant Snider—explores our inner life, using colorful illustrations and clever visual metaphors to depict the spectrum of our emotions.

Facing self-doubt? Overcoming fears? Grappling with indecision? Snider doesn’t present solutions to these challenges, but he does inspire and encourage, offering thoughtful reassurance and a unique, humorous perspective that’s characteristic of his work—an approach that resonates with millions of readers all over the world.

Emotions can be tricky to navigate. We overthink. We second-guess. And we can’t get out of our own way. The reality is, it’s impossible for any of us to understand our complicated feelings fully. But fear not, because you’ve come to the right place.

Poetry Comics

Chronicle Books |
Graphic Novel

“A poetry-filled graphic novel that is powerful in its simplicity.” Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Personal but personable, too, with glints of quiet humor.” ―Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Poetry Comics is . . . a sensorial experience that taps into what it means to be human and leaves you inspired to explore, discover, create, and connect.” —Aron Nels Steinke, Eisner Award-winning cartoonist

From the creator of Incidental Comics, Grant Snider, comes a fun and imaginative book that combines poetry and comics in a whole new way. Perfect for poetry lovers and reluctant readers alike.

From the cloud-gazing hours of early spring to the lost bicycles of late autumn, Grant Snider’s brilliantly illustrated Poetry Comics will take you climbing, floating, swimming, and tumbling through all the year’s ups, downs, and in-betweens. He proves that absolutely everything, momentous or minuscule, is worthy of attention, whether snail shells, building blocks, the lamented late bus, or the rare joy of unscuffed shoes. These poems explore everything you never thought to write a poem about, and they’re so fun to read you’ll want to write one yourself. Not to worry, there’s a poem for that, too!

FOR COMIC BOOK FANS: These poems for kids are brightly illustrated in graphic novel-style panels, adding a delightful new element to approaching poetry. Perfect for visually oriented readers and young people who already love comics, cartoons, and graphic novels.

EXCITING NEW APPROACH TO POETRY: Funny, instructive, and thoroughly engaging, this poem book is a perfect addition to classroom libraries and poetry curricula.

POEMS FOR EVERY SEASON: With sections for winter, spring, summer, and fall, this poetry book offers teachers and kids lots to enjoy and share all year round.

SPARK A LOVE OF POETRY AND ART: Perfect for classroom writing and drawing prompts, this book will inspire readers of all ages to make and share poetry comics of their own!

Perfect for:

  • Young readers of comics and graphic novels
  • Aspiring poets, writers, and cartoonists
  • Parents and educators seeking a fun and engaging way to introduce kids to poetry
  • Reading and sharing during Poetry Month
  • Readers looking for contemporary additions to classic children’s poetry like Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up, and A Light in the Attic
  • Fans of Mary Oliver looking to share an equally contemplative, nature-loving poet with kids
  • Fans of Grant Snider books, including Nothing Ever Happens on a Gray DayWhat Color Is Night?What Sound Is Morning?One Boy Watching, and There Is a Rainbow

One Boy Watching

Chronicle Books |
Children’s
Everyone knows what it feels like to be a passenger—and this book finally puts this universal feeling into words.

Climb aboard Bus Number Four as it travels along country roads and city streets, past train tracks and farm fields. Through the window, countless details rush by, just waiting to be noticed. What will you see today?

In this lyrical tribute to long rides and curious minds, author Grant Snider celebrates the extraordinary found within the ordinary, the fascinating hiding within the familiar, and the world of discovery awaiting all those who watch and wonder.

THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A PASSENGER: An ode to staring out the window, to the daydream, and to observation. This thoughtful new picture book is a wonderful way for kids to think about their own commute to school.

COUNTING: Every morning, one boy watches . . . for two bright headlights, three big steps up, four rusty cars, and infinite wonders that can be seen along the way! Kids will enjoy counting the colorful worlds that slip by the windows on this journey.

READ ALOUD: With its contemplative and poetic lyricism, and bright, textured illustrations, this classic-feeling book is a beautiful read aloud.

Perfect for:

• Parents and grandparents of introspective, introverted, or thoughtful daydreamers
• Families who commute, take road trips, or enjoy long car rides
• Fans of Grant Snider’s previous titles, including What Color is Night?, What Sound is Morning? and There Is A Rainbow.

The Art of Living: Reflections on Mindfulness and the Overexamined Life

Abrams ComicArts |
Comics

A humorous, uplifting look at mindfulness, from beloved illustrator Grant Snider

“Find a quiet spot away from all distraction / Listen to your breath / Watch your thoughts float past you / Forget the obligations of today / Try not to consider your eventual decay / Let yourself drift away / Arise, connected with the Earth / Awakened to the Universe.”

In The Art of Living, cartoonist Grant Snider, author of The Shape of Ideas and I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf, has created an all-new collection of one- and two-page comics that map his inner thoughts, poetic observations, and frequent failures at living mindfully. With both humor and a touch of reality, The Art of Living centers on mindfulness, but also empathy, relaxation, gratitude, and awareness—evergreen subjects that are more important and relevant now than ever. With a striking package, The Art of Living is an extension of the themes of Snider’s first two books—which explored the creative process and the love of reading—and is the perfect gift for those in a need of reflection, commiseration, hope, and a little extra self-care. Above all, Snider’s cartoons will inspire and encourage a more thoughtful way of experiencing the world.

Blue Floats Away

Abrams Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

A little iceberg strikes out on a big journey in this new picture book that explores the wonders of the water cycle

Little Blue lives at the North Pole with his parents until, one day, he floats away and strikes out on his own. Along the way, Blue encounters new things (sharks) and beautiful things (sailboats). He starts to wonder which way is home when something unexpected starts to happen. Little Blue is getting smaller and smaller until . . . he transforms!
After mixing with the warm ocean water, Blue reappears as a cloud. He encounters new things (airplanes) and beautiful things (birds). He charts a course for home. As it gets colder and colder, Blue gets bigger and bigger until . . . hey, is that a snowflake?
A story about the water cycle, Blue Floats Away explores the power of transformation and growing up.

There is a Rainbow

Chronicle Books |
Children’s

A hopeful picture book that reminds readers we are all connected. Sometimes we are separated by distance, sometimes by the way we feel. Even though the world is full of barriers that can make us feel alone, we are all just on one end of a rainbow—connected by all that color and light, there is always something, or someone, waiting for us on the other side!

Inspired by the multitude of rainbows found in the windows of homes around the world following the coronavirus lockdown, this uplifting picture book shares a message of hope and resilience that is truly timeless.

• Offers comfort to readers young and old
• Perfect inspirational read-aloud
• Celebrates the power and importance of community support

On the other side of a window, there is a neighbor.
On the other side of a sadness, there is a hug.
And on the other side of a storm, there is a rainbow.

Poetically told with a heartwarming message for some of life’s most difficult moments, this book encourages readers to look past their immediate surroundings and find comfort, connection, and courage.

• Ideal for young readers going through any difficult experience
• Parents and grandparents looking for a story with a positive, hopeful message
• Fans of picture books that teach new perspectives

My Words

HarperCollins |
Children’s

“I love words!” says Ava. “Words can be tiny, prickly, big, and bright!” 

In this delightful romp through one little girl’s discovery of words, readers meet Ava—who asks: What was it like before I had words?

Using a bright cheery palette, visual humor (and yes, even a big pile of words climbed by Ava), Grant Snider deftly follows the baby babbles, toddler questions, and little kid discoveries that are the hallmarks of how kids learn to “use their words.”

An adventurous spirit and a cheerful disposition make Ava feel like a friend children will want to spend time with. Her curiosity is nurtured by family, friends, and the world she discovers around her.

For fans of books like Dear Girl, and I Am Peace, My Words will appeal to curious children who want to know more about how they grew from babies, as well as children who are excited by language. Perfect for reading together at home or for the pre-K or K classroom, My Words is a book that will make readers want to talk about the things they say and excite them about the giant world of words.

What Sound Is Morning?

Chronicle Books |
Children’s

This beautiful companion to What Color Is Night? helps children explore and celebrate their morning routines.

At the first morning light, everything is quiet. Or is it?
Listen.

Welcome the day by exploring the subtle wonders—and exciting sounds—of the morning with this lyrical and picturesque story.

In the first morning light, all might seem quiet. In this companion to What Color Is Night? Grant Snider explores the sounds—and silences—of morning. Ending in an inspiring call to action—to toss off the covers, throw open the window, and fill the world with your song—this uplifting book is sure to help families feel ready to face the day. With bright art as exuberant as the rooster’s crow, and humorous text celebrating the chipper alarm, the rumbling stomach, and the clanking garbage truck, What Sound Is Morning? is a moving and timeless look at the way each of us begins every day.

• A perfect book to help children establish healthy sleeping and waking habits and morning routines
• A morning read-aloud book! Help start the day right with this exuberant and positive tale.
• Grant Snider, the creator of Incidental Comics, has over 35,000 fans on Instagram.

For fans of lyrical, beautiful picture books like Today, Good Morning, City, and Before Morning, What Sound Is Morning will appeal to children who wish to see their world from a new perspective.

• Books for kids ages 3–5
• Read-aloud picture book
• Educational concepts for children

I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf

Abrams ComicArts |
Comics

A look at the culture and fanaticism of book lovers, from beloved New York Times illustrator Grant Snider

It’s no secret, but we are judged by our bookshelves. We learn to read at an early age, and as we grow older we shed our beloved books for new ones. But some of us surround ourselves with books. We collect them, decorate with them, are inspired by them, and treat our books as sacred objects. In this lighthearted collection of one- and two-page comics, writer-artist Grant Snider explores bookishness in all its forms, and the love of writing and reading, building on the beloved literary comics featured on his website, Incidental Comics. With a striking package including a die-cut cover, I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf is the perfect gift for bookworms of all ages.

What Color Is Night?

Chronicle Books |
Children’s

Look closer. Grant Snider’s beautiful debut picture book explores the wonders—and colors—of nighttime. For night is not just black and white. Ending in colors yet unseen, and a night of sweet dreams, this lilting lullaby is sure to comfort those drifting off to sleep. With luminous art as spare and glowing as the moon, and lyrical text that reads like a friend leading the way through the wilderness, What Color Is Night? is a rich and timeless look at a topic of endless fascination, and a perfect bedtime read-aloud.

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity

Abrams ComicArts |
Comics

What does an idea look like? And where do they come from? Grant Snider’s illustrations will motivate you to explore these questions, inspire you to come up with your own answers and, like all Gordian knots, prompt even more questions. Whether you are a professional artist or designer, a student pursuing a creative career, a person of faith, someone who likes walks on the beach, or a dreamer who sits on the front porch contemplating life, this collection of one- and two-page comics will provide insight into the joys and frustrations of creativity, inspiration, and process—no matter your age or creative background.

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts

Rocky Pond Books |
Children’s

The monumental bestseller Quiet has been recast in a new edition that empowers introverted kids and teens 

Susan Cain sparked a worldwide conversation when she published Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. With her inspiring book, she permanently changed the way we see introverts and the way introverts see themselves.

The original book focused on the workplace, and Susan realized that a version for and about kids was also badly needed. This book is all about kids’ world—school, extracurriculars, family life, and friendship. You’ll read about actual kids who have tackled the challenges of not being extroverted and who have made a mark in their own quiet way. You’ll hear Susan Cain’s own story, and you’ll be able to make use of the tips at the end of each chapter. There’s even a guide at the end of the book for parents and teachers.

This insightful, accessible, and empowering book, illustrated with amusing comic-style art, will be eye-opening to extroverts and introverts alike.

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How to Make Poetry Comics

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How to Tell a Story: What You Need to Make a Picture Book

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Drawing for Life: My Journey to Becoming an Author and Illustrator

gatherEd.community | Cartoonist, Author, Illustrator: Grant Snider

The Comics Cube | Incidental Comics: Grant Snider Interview

Black Mountain Institute | Friday Night Comics Workshops

Wichitalks 2019 | Grant Snider – 10 Rules for Creativity

Wichita Eagle | Orthodontist Grant Snider Discusses Illustrating the new “Quiet Power”

Grant Snider’s INCIDENTAL COMICS | Weekly insights on art, idleness, and imagination.

Incidental Comics Poster Shop

Grant’s Events

Making Poetry Comics for Junior Library Guild

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Poetry Comics:
A USA Today Bestseller
A Junior Library Guild Selection
2024 Good Housekeeping Best Kid’s Book
2025 NEA Read Across America Selection

Published in:
The New York Times
The New Yorker
The Believer
The Southampton Review
The Kansas City Star
Folha de S.Paulo
El Espectador
Revista Piauí
NYU Alumni Magazine
The Core – University of Chicago Magazine
Strategy + Business Magazine
Design Detail India

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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