Brian Selznick Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Brian Selznick is an American author and illustrator celebrated for his innovative approach to storytelling. Born in 1966 in East Brunswick, New Jersey, he was the eldest of three children in a Jewish family. His grandfather was a cousin of Hollywood producer David O. Selznick. Selznick's early fascination with art and storytelling led him to the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied illustration and set design. After graduating in 1988, he worked at Eeyore's Books for Children in New York City, immersing himself in children's literature and beginning his career as a writer and illustrator. In 1991, Selznick published his first book, The Houdini Box, which he both wrote and illustrated. Over the years, he has illustrated numerous books for other authors, including Frindle by Andrew Clements and The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin. His illustrations for The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley earned him a Caldecott Honor in 2002. In 2007, Selznick published The Invention of Hugo Cabret, a groundbreaking 533-page novel that blends prose and illustrations. The book won the 2008 Caldecott Medal and was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Hugo directed by Martin Scorsese. Following the success of Hugo Cabret, Selznick continued to innovate with his storytelling. His 2011 novel Wonderstruck alternates between text and illustrations, telling the story of two deaf children in different time periods. The book debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted into a film directed by Todd Haynes, with Selznick writing the screenplay. In 2015, he published The Marvels, a novel that combines a family saga with a mystery, presented through a series of illustrations and text. His 2021 book, Kaleidoscope, is a novel in short stories that explores themes of identity and connection. Selznick's recent works include Big Tree (2023), inspired by an idea from Steven Spielberg, and Run Away With Me (2025), his debut young adult novel. Big Tree was named one of the best children's books of 2023 by The New York Times, and its audiobook, narrated by Meryl Streep, was nominated for a Grammy. In addition to his books, Selznick has contributed to other artistic endeavors. He wrote the story for a new version of The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, choreographed by Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. He has also worked as a puppeteer with Basil Twist and created three toy theater pieces directed by Dan Hurlin. Selznick's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal, Caldecott Honor, and Robert F. Sibert Honor. His books have been translated into more than 35 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has appeared on programs such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, and CBS Sunday Morning, and has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Brian Selznick divides his time between Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California, with his husband, Dr. David Serlin, a writer, editor, and professor at the University of California, San Diego.