Reading lists and articles featuring Adam Rex

Adam Rex Biography

Adam Michael Rex, born May 16, 1973, is an American illustrator and author from Tucson, Arizona. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona, contributing illustrations to Magic: The Gathering and working on various children’s books.

Despite initial challenges from his fantasy drawings background, Rex entered children’s literature with Tree-Ring Circus and Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich in 2006. The latter became a New York Times bestseller.

In 2005, Rex received the Jack Gaughan Award for Best Emerging Artist. His early illustration work, The Dirty Cowboy (2003) with Amy Timberlake, faced controversy and bans in Texas and Pennsylvania schools.

Collaborating with Mac Barnett, Rex illustrated The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, praised for its lively endpapers. DreamWorks adapted The True Meaning of Smekday into Home (2015), featuring Rihanna and Jim Parsons.

Acknowledging his influence, Rex credits Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Rex’s works include novels like The True Meaning of Smekday and Fat Vampire, and collaborations like School’s First Day of School with Christian Robinson.

Adam Rex, a notable figure in children’s literature, continues to engage young readers with his contributions as an illustrator and writer.