Roger, the Jolly Pirate
Helquist's debut author-illustrator picture book and a representative introduction to his original work.
Author guide
Brett Helquist Books in Order
Brett Helquist is an American author and illustrator whose work spans picture books, middle-grade fiction, and nonfiction. He is widely known for illustrating Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and has also illustrated books including Chasing Vermeer, The Mona Lisa Vanishes, and Cezanne's Parrot. As an author-illustrator, he created the picture books Roger, the Jolly Pirate, Bedtime for Bear, and Grumpy Goat. He grew up in Utah and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
children's literaturepicture bookshumor
Catalog record updated .
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Children's books (3)
- Roger, the Jolly Pirate
picture-book · 2004
While his shipmates face their toughest enemy, Roger has a chance to prove himself in a most unlikely way after being banished, as usual, below decks during the fighting.
- Bedtime for Bear
picture-book · 2010
Wintertime is here, and that means it is bedtime for Bear. But Bear's friends don't think so. They want Bear to come and play outside in the snow. Bear can hear his friends calling. He hears them laughing and playing. Bear can't sleep.…
- Grumpy Goat
picture-book · 2013
Frequently asked questions about Brett Helquist
Who is Brett Helquist?
Brett Helquist is a children’s-book illustrator and author best known for illustrating Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. He also creates original books as an author-illustrator and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Sources: bretthelquistillustration.com (opens in a new tab)magazine.byu.edu (opens in a new tab)
Where was Brett Helquist born, and where did he study?
He was born in Ganado, Arizona, and grew up in Orem, Utah. He began at Brigham Young University as an engineering major, later transferred to illustration, and earned a fine arts degree there in 1993.
How did Brett Helquist start his illustration career?
After college, Helquist moved to New York City and interned with illustrator Robert Neubecker. He spent several years doing newspaper and magazine work while working as a graphic designer before moving into children’s books.
What influences shaped Brett Helquist’s art?
His interest in illustration began with newspaper comic strips, especially Alley Oop. He has cited traditional Japanese and Chinese art, comic books, and illustrators such as N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Dean Cornwell, and Lisbeth Zwerger as influences.
What major award has Brett Helquist received?
In 2024, Brett Helquist and author Nicholas Day won the Robert F. Sibert Medal for The Mona Lisa Vanishes, recognized as the most distinguished informational book for children published in 2023.
Source: ala.org (opens in a new tab)