Picture an American storyteller who turned a circus into a comic strip and a rare cancer diagnosis into a heartfelt novel—meet Rob Harrell! This multi-talented author, illustrator, and cartoonist has been delighting readers with his quirky humor and relatable characters, from middle-grade trolls to anxious teens. With a knack for blending heart and hilarity, Harrell’s work resonates with kids and adults alike.
Born in Bloomington, Indiana, Harrell’s journey from doodling in sketchbooks to creating syndicated comics and award-winning books is as colorful as his illustrations. His ability to weave personal experiences into stories has made him a standout in children’s literature, earning him accolades and a loyal fanbase.
The Making of Rob Harrell
Rob Harrell grew up in Indiana, where his creative spark ignited early. At DePauw University, he honed his artistic skills under Professor Robert Kingsley, balancing oil painting with cartooning for the university paper. After a brief stint chasing animation dreams in Los Angeles, Harrell returned to Indiana, launching a t-shirt business before studying illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design. His big break came in 2002 with Big Top, a syndicated comic strip inspired by a plane-seat doodle session with a curious child, featuring clowns and circus animals. This marked the start of his storytelling career, blending humor with heart.
Rob Harrell’s Unforgettable Stories
Harrell’s bibliography is a treasure trove of wit and warmth. His graphic novel Monster on the Hill (2013) follows a down-on-his-luck monster in a quirky town, inspiring the animated film Rumble (2021). The Life of Zarf series (2014–2016) stars a troll navigating middle school with fairy-tale flair, packed with clever twists and laugh-out-loud moments. Wink (2020), a middle-grade novel, draws from Harrell’s own battle with rare eye cancer, telling the story of Ross Maloy, a seventh-grader facing treatment with humor and resilience. His latest, Popcorn (2024), tackles anxiety and OCD, earning the ALA Schneider Family Award for its empathetic portrayal.
Harrell’s style shines through his playful dialogue, relatable characters, and hybrid prose-illustration format. Whether crafting fractured fairy tales or poignant coming-of-age tales, he balances humor with deeper themes like identity and perseverance. His Batpig series, spun off from Wink, brings superhero silliness to young readers, proving his versatility across genres.
Why Rob Harrell Matters
Rob Harrell’s impact lies in his ability to make tough topics accessible to young readers. By infusing stories with humor and authenticity, he helps kids navigate challenges like illness, anxiety, or feeling like an outsider. His work resonates in classrooms and libraries, sparking conversations about resilience and creativity. Harrell’s comic strip Adam@Home, running in over 140 newspapers, continues to bring daily chuckles, while his books inspire reluctant readers with their visual storytelling. His journey from cancer survivor to celebrated author illustrates the power of art to heal and connect.
- Born: 1970, Bloomington, Indiana
- Key Works: Wink, Monster on the Hill, Life of Zarf, Popcorn
- Awards: ALA Schneider Family Award (2024) for Popcorn
- Fun Fact: Harrell’s Big Top was inspired by doodling for a child on a plane!
About Rob Harrell
Ready for a dose of humor and heart? Snag Wink or Batpig: When Pigs Fly and dive into Rob Harrell’s whimsical world!