📖 Overview
Jessie Sima is an American author and illustrator of children's picture books who made their debut with Not Quite Narwhal in 2017. Their work frequently explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery through whimsical characters and colorful illustrations.
Sima's books have earned recognition in the children's literature community, with Not Quite Narwhal becoming a New York Times bestseller and receiving multiple state reading list nominations. Their subsequent works include Love, Z; Spencer's New Pet; Jules vs. the Ocean; and Perfectly Pegasus.
The author-illustrator works primarily in digital media, creating distinctive character designs that blend fantasy elements with relatable emotional experiences. Their stories often feature protagonists who feel different from their peers or are searching for their place in the world.
Before becoming a children's book creator, Sima studied graphic design and worked in various creative fields. They currently reside in New York where they continue to write and illustrate picture books.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with Sima's gentle approach to identity and self-acceptance themes. Parents report their children requesting repeat readings, particularly of "Not Quite Narwhal."
Readers appreciate:
- Clear, simple messaging about belonging
- Soft color palettes and character designs
- LGBTQ+ inclusive storytelling without being heavy-handed
- Books that prompt meaningful discussions with children
Common criticisms:
- Some find the stories predictable
- Price point for length ($17-19 range)
- Digital illustration style feels less warm than traditional media
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Not Quite Narwhal: 4.3/5 (13,000+ ratings)
- Love, Z: 4.2/5 (2,000+ ratings)
- Spencer's New Pet: 4.1/5 (1,500+ ratings)
Amazon averages 4.8/5 across titles, with readers noting the books work well for classroom reading and gender non-conforming children. One teacher wrote: "Not Quite Narwhal gives my students language to discuss feeling different in a positive way."
📚 Books by Jessie Sima
Not Quite Narwhal - A unicorn raised by narwhals discovers their true identity while learning to embrace both parts of their heritage.
Harriet Gets Carried Away - During a costume shopping trip, a young girl in a penguin costume accidentally joins a group of real penguins.
Love, Z - A robot embarks on a journey to understand the meaning of love after finding a message in a bottle.
Spencer's New Pet - A girl's adventures with her balloon dog are presented in the style of a silent film.
Jules vs. the Ocean - A determined young girl attempts to build the perfect sandcastle despite the ocean's interference.
Perfectly Pegasus - A lonely pegasus searches for friendship among the clouds and discovers a unicorn family.
Weather Together - Two houses develop a friendship while experiencing different types of weather throughout the seasons.
Little Witch Hazel - Four seasonal stories follow a tiny witch who serves as healer and helper to the creatures of Mosswood Forest.
Harriet Gets Carried Away - During a costume shopping trip, a young girl in a penguin costume accidentally joins a group of real penguins.
Love, Z - A robot embarks on a journey to understand the meaning of love after finding a message in a bottle.
Spencer's New Pet - A girl's adventures with her balloon dog are presented in the style of a silent film.
Jules vs. the Ocean - A determined young girl attempts to build the perfect sandcastle despite the ocean's interference.
Perfectly Pegasus - A lonely pegasus searches for friendship among the clouds and discovers a unicorn family.
Weather Together - Two houses develop a friendship while experiencing different types of weather throughout the seasons.
Little Witch Hazel - Four seasonal stories follow a tiny witch who serves as healer and helper to the creatures of Mosswood Forest.
👥 Similar authors
Aaron Becker creates wordless picture books about children who enter fantasy worlds through portals and drawings. His Journey trilogy features a child using red chalk to draw solutions to challenges, similar to how Sima's characters solve problems through creativity.
Peter Brown writes stories that blend technology with nature and explore characters who feel different from their surroundings. His work includes themes of belonging and acceptance that parallel Sima's focus on identity and self-discovery.
Dan Santat produces picture books about characters overcoming fears and finding their place in the world. His illustrations incorporate visual humor and unexpected perspectives like Sima's work.
Julie Fogliano writes picture books with spare, rhythmic text that leaves room for interpretation. Her stories often focus on quiet moments and emotional connections between characters, matching Sima's approach to storytelling.
Christian Robinson illustrates stories about diverse characters navigating everyday experiences and magical situations. His art style uses geometric shapes and limited color palettes to create depth, similar to Sima's visual techniques.
Peter Brown writes stories that blend technology with nature and explore characters who feel different from their surroundings. His work includes themes of belonging and acceptance that parallel Sima's focus on identity and self-discovery.
Dan Santat produces picture books about characters overcoming fears and finding their place in the world. His illustrations incorporate visual humor and unexpected perspectives like Sima's work.
Julie Fogliano writes picture books with spare, rhythmic text that leaves room for interpretation. Her stories often focus on quiet moments and emotional connections between characters, matching Sima's approach to storytelling.
Christian Robinson illustrates stories about diverse characters navigating everyday experiences and magical situations. His art style uses geometric shapes and limited color palettes to create depth, similar to Sima's visual techniques.