There is a writer known for his eerie stories and illustrations which move ominously between realism and fantasy, a children's writer. I don't think anyone here has mentioned him, but the depths of irony and perilous fantastic events in his work are worthy of adult note. I've borrowed my current sig from one of his books, the absolutely rivetting
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Go read and look. Peer hungrily. Be stimulated.
Chris Van Allsburg