Jean-Jacques Sempé books in order
French cartoon artist
- Lived
- 1932–2022
- Country
- France
- Books
- 12
- Also writes as
- Sempé, Dro
Jean-Jacques Sempé published 2 novellas, 1 short story collection, 4 children's books and 5 other books, beginning with Nicholas (1960).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Jean-Jacques Sempé
Start here
Nicholas
Jean-Jacques Sempé's most-read book.
Novellas in order
Le Petit Nicolas a Des Ennuis (1993)
Martin Pebble (2006)
Short story collections in order
Nicholas on Vacation (1962), with René Goscinny
Children's books in order
Nicholas (1960)
Nicholas Again (1985)
Nicholas and the Gang (1985)
Nicholas in Trouble (2008)
Other books in order
Rien N'est Simple (1962)
La Grande Panique (1965)
The Musicians (1980)
The Chronicles of Little Nicholas (1993)
Sempe (2006)
Film and TV adaptations
- Nicholas on Holiday (2014)Film · from Nicholas on Vacation
About Jean-Jacques Sempé
Jean-Jacques Sempé, usually known as Sempé, was a French cartoonist. He is known for the series of children's books he created with René Goscinny, Le Petit Nicolas, and also for his poster-like illustrations, usually drawn from a distant or high viewpoint depicting detailed countrysides or cities. For decades, he created covers for The New Yorker.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Jean-Jacques Sempé FAQ
- How many books has Jean-Jacques Sempé written?
- Jean-Jacques Sempé published 2 novellas, 1 short story collection, 4 children's books and 5 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Jean-Jacques Sempé's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Nicholas.
- What is Jean-Jacques Sempé's last book?
- Martin Pebble (2006).
- What is Jean-Jacques Sempé's most famous book?
- Nicholas (1960) is Jean-Jacques Sempé's most widely read book.
- Does Jean-Jacques Sempé write under a pen name?
- Yes: Jean-Jacques Sempé has also published as Sempé and Dro.
- Which Jean-Jacques Sempé books have been adapted?
- 1 book has been adapted for film or TV, including Nicholas on Vacation (as Nicholas on Holiday, film, 2014).
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.