Books

The Magic Rabbit

written & illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson

​Blue Sky Press

Scholastic 2005

ISBN-10:0590479644
ISBN-13:978-0590479646

Join the fun as a very unusual rabbit discovers the wonders of a mysterious hat--and his own imagination. 

Presto! He makes frogs jump, mice scurry, and a flutter of birds fly up into the sky. 

One surprise leads to another, until finally, it's the best trick ever... 

Finding a friend to share your adventures is the greatest magic of all!

Tom Thumb

written & illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 1989

ISBN13: 9780152892814 ISBN13: 9780152892807

With courage, wit and the help of animal friends, a tiny boy, no bigger than his father's thumb, earns a place as the smallest Knight of the Round Table. Watson's extraordinary full-color illustrations highlight his retelling of this old English tale.

The Waterfall's Gift
written by Joanne Ryder & Illustrated by R J Watson
Sierra Club / Gibbs Smith 2001
ISBN 1578051134    
ISBN-13: 978-1578051137
ISBN 087156579X

The insistent voice of the waterfall rings through the old north woods, beckoning a listening child back to the secret place she once shared with her grandfather.

Its call mingles with the lively sounds of the forest--the birds and rustling leaves--in a reassuring blend of past and present, then and now.

Psalm 23

illustrated by RJ Watson  

HarperCollins 2013 

ISBN 0-06-075741-8 

ISBN-13 9780310727842 

ISBN-13 9780310736400

In this follow-up to his bestselling children's book, The Lord's Prayer, illustrator Richard Jesse Watson brings to life the beloved Psalm 23.

Watson's use of vibrant color and detailed imagery beautifully captures the essence of the comforting words of David, bringing Psalm 23 alive for readers young and old. 

The Lord's Prayer 

commentary by Rick Warren

Illustrated by RJ Watson

HarperCollins

Zondervan 2011

ISBN-10:0310710863

ISBN-13:978-0310710868

ISBN-13:978-0829758764

"Warren and Watson join forces for a thoughtful and visually appealing introduction to the Lord's Prayer. Both highly useful and beautiful--an unusual and welcome combination." Kirkus Star Editor Review

"This spirited edition should have wide appeal" Publisher's Weekly 

"The pictures of this book are breath-taking. Children from around the world illustrate ideally the words of the Lord's Prayer."  Examiner.com

The Night Before Christmas

by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by R J Watson

HarperCollins 2008 

ISBN10:0060757442
ISBN13:9780060757441

This revved-up version of the classic poem follows St. Nick on his much anticipated journey around the Big Blue Marble and ends with an exclusive interview with the jolly-maker, himself.

Watson's cast of elves, along with the ultimate aviator, flying his unique high-and-low-tech sleigh, make this New York Times bestseller a favorite holiday read.

One Wintry Night

written by Ruth Bell Graham

illustrated by RJ Watson

HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson 2012

(1st Published 1995)

ISBN-10: 1400321166
ISBN-13:978-1400321162

ISBN:0801038480

Ruth Bell Graham created this unique version of the Christmas story with a distillation of Bible stories and themes beginning with creation and ending with the resurrection. 

Richard Jesse Watson's detailed imagery lovingly illuminates the text. 

The Boy Who Went Ape

by Benjamin James Watson

illustrated by RJ Watson

Scholastic/Blue Sky Press

2008

ISBN 13: 9780590479660

ISBN 10: 0590479660

Sometimes boys and chimpanzees act very much alike--especially on school field trips! 
Come along and join the fun when a visit to the zoo sets off a day of hilarious antics. 
Who is the boy, and who is the ape? 
Monkey see, monkey do! 

Father and son collaborated on this wacky romp of a story. 

The High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake

written by Nancy Willard

illustrated by RJ Watson

Harcourt Children's Books 1990

ISBN-10:0152343326
ISBN-13:978-0152343323

A young girl wants to give her mother the birthday present she longs for--a High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake.

But Great-Grandmother's secret recipe has been hidden away for decades because of the danger: the cake "is irresistible to man and beast, woman and bird. I fear it may fall into the wrong hands."

Nothing will do but to search through a lifetime of Great-Grandmother's notebooks for the magic recipe. 

Nancy Willard's extraordinary story and Richard Jesse Watson's provocative artwork come together in stunning proof that only the flutter of angelic wings can create a truly heavenly cake (and book) perfect for someone you love. 

The Legend of St. Christopher

adapted by Margaret Hodges

illustrated by RJ Watson

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers 2002

ISBN:0-80235077

ISBN:0-802850074

ISBN:9780802853608

Author Margaret Hodges retells with power and simplicity this unforgettable tale of the man who became known as the patron saint of travelers. 

And illustrator Richard Jesse Watson has created hypnopompic paintings that dramatically capture Offero's journey and his discovery of the One he sought. 

The Dream Stair

written by Betsy James

illustrated by RJ Watson

HarperCollins 1990

ISBN-10:0060227877
ISBN-13:978-0060227876

Betsy James and Richard Jesse Watson have created a book filled with images and emotions of a child's day, and the security of a granny's love.

The Dream Stair, with it's poetic text and evocative illustrations, awaits all young travelers who are about to begin the universal nighttime journey. 

Bronwen, the Traw, and the Shape-Shifter 

written by James Dickey

Illustrated by R.J. Watson

Harcourt Inc 1986

ISBN:0152125809

Brownen, with her magic traw, journeys to the squirrel's kingdom, where she courageously battles the Shape-Shifter as it assumes the form of the elements--air, fire, water and the very earth itself. 

Watson's dramatic, mysterious illustrations capture the alternately gentle and fierce moods of Poet Laureate,  James Dickey's richly imaginative epic poem.  

Speak!

Children's Book Illustrators Brag About Their Dogs

edited by Michael J. Rosen

Harcourt Brace & Co 1993

ISBN: 0152778489

A collection of humorous and poignant dog stories and illustrations by forty well-known illustrators.

Watson's story and illustration (page 14) are included in this collection along with William Joyce, Lane Smith, Barry Moser and others. 

Proceeds were donated to the Company of Animals Fund. 

Oz, The Hundredth Anniversary Celebration

 edited by Peter Glassman

Books of Wonder • HarperCollins Publishers

2002

ISBN: 068815915X

Thirty Beloved Artists and Writers pay tribute to an American classic.

Some of the luminaries included in this collection are Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Trina Schart Hyman and more. Watson was honored to also be represented in this book (page 45). 

Proceeds from were donated to Reading Is Fundamental. 

Writers in the Kitchen

Compiled by Tricia Gardella

Boyds Mills Press 1998

ISBN: 1563977133

Children's Book Authors Share Memories of Their Favorite Recipes.

Watson is a contributor, with a chapter title page illustration and recipe, along with Marla Frazee, Eve Buntiing, Lois Lowry, Jane Yolen, Peter Sis, Brian Selznick, and more.