Ursula Vernon Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Ursula Vernon books in order, from the very first to the latest, and is always updated so you won’t miss anything!

Ursula Vernon is a beloved name in the world of children’s literature and graphic storytelling. Born on May 28, 1977, she has built a colorful career blending words and pictures in ways that spark the imagination of readers both young and old. Best known for her award-winning works such as Digger, Dragonbreath, and Nurk, Vernon is a multi-talented creator whose stories are often filled with fantasy, humor, and a sense of wild creativity that makes them hard to put down.

Vernon’s journey into storytelling didn’t begin with books—it started with pictures. She studied anthropology at Macalester College and also pursued art in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her love for drawing led her into illustration, and from there, into writing. Today, her background in both fields comes through clearly in her books, which are often filled with her own quirky and expressive illustrations. Whether she’s working with digital tools or using watercolors and acrylics, Ursula brings each scene to life in a way that feels both personal and magical.

One of her most celebrated creations is Digger, a graphic novel that tells the story of a brave, talking wombat who digs her way into a strange and mystical adventure. Digger earned Ursula the Hugo Award, and it remains a fan favorite among readers of all ages. The combination of fantasy, dry humor, and deep emotional storytelling made the series stand out in the world of webcomics. Her other web-based works, including Irrational Fears and Little Creature, also earned her a dedicated online following long before social media made viral fame easy.

While her art and comics gained popularity, Vernon also began writing novels for children. Her Dragonbreath series became a breakout hit, following the misadventures of a young dragon named Danny who can’t quite breathe fire—but more than makes up for it with bravery and imagination. These stories, perfect for kids aged 8–10, mix humor, adventure, and even science facts, creating a reading experience that’s as entertaining as it is educational. With characters like Danny and his reluctant best friend Wendell, Vernon brings out the joy and chaos of growing up in a world filled with ninja frogs, sea monsters, and underwater kingdoms.

But Ursula Vernon’s creativity doesn’t stop at children’s books. Under the pen name T. Kingfisher, she writes fantasy and horror novels for older readers. These books explore darker, deeper themes, but they still carry her signature voice—witty, strange, and full of unexpected heart. It’s this dual talent, to write for both kids and adults with equal skill, that has earned her praise across genres and generations.

In addition to writing and drawing, Vernon has worked on many commercial projects. She has illustrated game art, designed book covers, and even created product artwork for things like soaps and teas. Her illustration for Best in Show won an Ursa Major Award in 2003, and her work on Digger has received several nominations, including the prestigious Eisner and Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards. Her style is instantly recognizable: whimsical yet grounded, humorous but often touching.

Vernon continues to be active in the creative world today, producing new art and stories while staying connected with fans at conventions and through her blog. She remains a popular speaker at events and has become a voice that both children and adults trust for clever, heartfelt, and slightly offbeat storytelling. Her books are the kind you hand to a kid who says they don’t like reading—and then find them giggling two chapters in.

For readers who love talking animals, mysterious adventures, or simply clever writing that doesn’t talk down to its audience, Ursula Vernon is a name to remember. Whether under her real name or her T. Kingfisher pseudonym, her stories continue to inspire laughter, courage, and a sense of wonder in all who pick them up.