Movies, Books, and Penguins: Discover the World of Oliver Jeffers

The Graders gathered recently for a special Movie Night, where we showcased two enchanting animated shorts inspired by the works of beloved author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Known for his unique artistic style and thought-provoking storytelling, Jeffers creates books that spark curiosity and wonder in readers of all ages. His stories are perfect for inspiring meaningful conversations and a love of reading within your family.

One of tonight’s features, Lost and Found, tells the heartwarming story of a little boy and a penguin who appears on his doorstep one day. This endearing tale of connection reassures children that even when misunderstandings arise, they can be resolved through friendship and understanding. Interestingly, Jeffers, who grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and now resides in Brooklyn, has a soft spot for penguins and includes one in nearly all of his books, even when the story isn’t about penguins!

Another highlight of Jeffers’ work—and our second feature this evening—is Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth. This profound book serves as a gentle guide to appreciating the world around us. While the animated adaptation is beautifully crafted, Jeffers’ original illustrations and messages of kindness, compassion, and care for our planet truly shine on the page. This book has also inspired a charming series for young children, introducing foundational concepts like numbers, colors, animals, and opposites in playful, engaging ways.

For families looking to explore even more of Jeffers’ creativity, we recommend two standout titles:

  • Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters is a whimsical collection of quirky tales featuring unforgettable characters, such as an astronaut afraid of heights and a daring owl-and-octopus duo who solve oceanic dilemmas. With clever wordplay, sophisticated humor, and intricate illustrations, this offbeat take on the alphabet will have readers laughing out loud and poring over every detail—even the endpapers.
  • Jeffers’ latest masterpiece, A Dictionary Story, takes readers on a madcap adventure. In this tale, a dictionary dreams of telling a story like the other books on the shelf. Bringing her words to life, she unwittingly creates chaos when characters like Alligator, Donut, Ghost, and Moon leap off the pages, scattering text in all directions. To restore order, the dictionary enlists the help of her friend Alphabet. Created in collaboration with typographical artist Sam Winston, this book is a visual and literary feast. Every definition in its margins has been whimsically rewritten, inviting readers to imagine their own stories from the words they discover.

Jeffers himself said, “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 passion for creating meaningful and enjoyable stories is evident in every book he’s written, making his works a treasure for children and adults alike.

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

Happy reading,

Maureen