Book Recommendation — Children's

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

I bought a copy of this book at an English language bookstore in Amsterdam this summer (that's just the kind of jet set life we live here at the Bookshop) because I was worried it was a UK book that wouldn't be available in the US. I am happy to report that it is available!

It's a very sweet, simple story of a boy and his penquin friend. Even better than the lovely story, though, are the beautiful illustrations.

It won the Gold Award for the 0-5 age group in the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize 2005 competition—an award for UK authors of children's books. My six year old test reader [6TR] enjoyed it very much. He was particularly interested in the author's photo, which looks like it was taken when the author was a very expressive four year old. The 6TR has writerly aspirations of his own, so he was pleased to see that the writer was once a kid himself.

For some reason, Amazon lists the reading level of the book as 9-12, but ignore that advice. It's definitely a picture book that would be most appropriate for 3-6 year olds.

The author has his own website with more information on all of his work--illustrations, books, art, etc.

And if my recommendation isn't enough, here are a few others . . .

The scenario is unlikely, but Jeffers invests it with plausible life, telling the story in pictures of such spare beauty, there is space for the emotion to breathe. Suffused with a dream-like quality, this book will calm even the most overheated of bedtimes.

Sally Williams in The Independent

Oliver Jeffers makes impressive use of space in this affecting story of friendship. Set against the cool blue and white of the South Pole, Jeffers's illustrations capture feelings of loss and loneliness through the most delicate nuances of facial expression and subtle shifts in body language.

Julia Eccleshare in the Guardian

Through beautiful illustrations and a charming story line, this tale makes a poignant and richly enjoyable follow up to the author's award winning, How to Catch a Star.

Booktrusted.co.uk