At TCS, some of our favorite books come from the talented author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers. With his distinctive artistic style and thought-provoking storytelling, Jeffers crafts stories that ignite curiosity and wonder in readers of all ages. His books are perfect for inspiring meaningful conversations and a love of reading within your family.

One of his beloved picture books, Lost and Found, tells the touching story of a little boy and the penguin who unexpectedly shows up on his doorstep. This gentle tale of friendship and understanding teaches children that even in moments of confusion, kindness and communication can bring about resolution. Jeffers, who hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and now calls Brooklyn home, has a special fondness for penguins and includes them in nearly every one of his books—sometimes in the most unexpected ways!

Another gem among Jeffers’ work is Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, a heartfelt guide to appreciating the world around us. With his signature illustrations and messages of kindness, compassion, and environmental stewardship, Jeffers encourages readers to embrace the beauty of life on Earth. This book not only offers wisdom for children but has also inspired a delightful series that introduces young learners to fundamental concepts like numbers, colors, animals, and opposites in a playful, engaging manner.

For families eager to dive deeper into Jeffers’ world of creativity, we recommend two standout titles:

• Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters is a whimsical collection of imaginative tales, each one tied to a letter of the alphabet. From an astronaut afraid of heights to an adventurous owl-and-octopus duo solving oceanic problems, Jeffers’ clever wordplay, witty humor, and detailed illustrations make this an alphabet book like no other. Young readers will find themselves laughing out loud and discovering new layers with each turn of the page—endpapers included!
• A Dictionary Story is Jeffers’ latest masterpiece, where a dictionary dreams of telling a story and accidentally brings its words to life. As characters like Alligator, Donut, Ghost, and Moon leap off the pages and create chaos, the dictionary calls on her friend, Alphabet, to restore order. Created with typographical artist Sam Winston, this visually stunning and inventive book invites readers to reimagine definitions and craft their own stories from the words they discover.

Jeffers himself shares, “I don’t write books for people to study and analyze—I write them for people to enjoy. And they’ll only enjoy them if I enjoy them.” This spirit of joy and creativity infuses every one of his books, making them a true treasure for readers of all ages.

We hope these recommendations inspire you to explore the magical world of Oliver Jeffers with your children. His books offer endless opportunities for shared wonder, laughter, and learning.

Happy reading,

Maureen