Picture a Louisville-born storyteller who turned sketchbook dreams into whimsical picture books—meet Alex Willan! With a knack for vibrant illustrations and giggle-inducing stories, Willan has captured the hearts of young readers everywhere. From his bestselling Jasper & Ollie series to the hilarious The Worst! books, his work blends humor, heart, and a touch of magic.
Now based in Chicago with his trusty dog, Harley, Willan’s journey from a doodle-obsessed kid to a celebrated children’s author-illustrator is as inspiring as his tales. Let’s dive into the colorful world of Alex Willan and discover why his stories are a must-read for kids and grown-ups alike!
The Making of Alex Willan
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Alex Willan was rarely seen without a sketchbook. His love for drawing sparked early, leading him to earn a BFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. A near-miss with a runaway car during an art class—crushing his beloved sketchbook—didn’t deter him. Instead, it fueled his determination. After years of painting murals, theater sets, and even kids’ faces, Willan’s heart remained with children’s books. Overcoming self-doubt, he pursued his dream, blending his artistic flair with storytelling.
His path wasn’t instant. Years of rejections and conference pitches honed his craft. Inspired by illustrators like C.F. Payne and fueled by a nagging dream, Willan finally broke through with his debut, Jasper & Ollie, in 2019, proving persistence pays off.
Alex Willan’s Unforgettable Stories
Willan’s books are a delightful mix of humor, vivid illustrations, and relatable themes. His debut, Jasper & Ollie, follows a hasty fox and a leisurely sloth racing to a pool, celebrating friendship’s quirks. Its sequel, Jasper & Ollie Build a Fort, dives into sibling-like rivalry with charm. Readers love the colorful, detailed art—think hidden gorilla-as-griller gags—and dialogue-driven storytelling that invites creative read-alouds.
The The Worst! series, starring grumpy Gilbert the Goblin, is pure comedic gold. In Unicorns Are the Worst!, Gilbert scoffs at glittery unicorns but learns to appreciate differences. Dragons Are the Worst! and Yetis Are the Worst! continue his hilarious rants, while Elves Are the Worst! sees Gilbert infiltrating Santa’s workshop. Willan’s digital art, crafted on an iPad Pro, bursts with personality, making each page a visual treat.
Willan also illustrated Got Your Nose! by Alan Katz, a zany tale of a runaway nose, and contributed to Revver the Speedway Squirrel, showcasing his versatility. His style—playful, expressive, and packed with Easter eggs—appeals to kids aged 3–7 and parents craving a chuckle.
Why Alex Willan Matters
Alex Willan’s impact lies in his ability to make kids laugh while teaching empathy and acceptance. His stories, like Unicorns Are the Worst!, turn grumpiness into growth, showing young readers that differences are strengths. With thousands of Goodreads ratings averaging 4.08, his books resonate widely. Willan’s vibrant art and clever narratives also inspire budding artists, proving that creativity can conquer fear.
In a world of fleeting attention spans, Willan’s books encourage shared reading moments. His Chicago indie bookstore shoutouts, like Volumes Bookcafe, reflect a commitment to community, amplifying his influence beyond pages.
- Born: Louisville, Kentucky
- Key Works: Jasper & Ollie, Unicorns Are the Worst!, Dragons Are the Worst!
- Fun Fact: Willan once dodged a driverless car while sketching!
Ready to giggle with Gilbert or race with Jasper? Snag Jasper & Ollie or Unicorns Are the Worst! and dive into Alex Willan’s whimsical world!