Dr. Toughlove has decided that a book that focuses on friendship would be a wonderful selection for this month’s column. As children complete the current school year and re-establish relationships, there is no better time than the present to review a book called “Lost and Found” by Oliver Jeffers.
Oliver Jeffers is a wonderful author and illustrator who has written numerous award-winning children’s picture books. He is probably most famous for illustrating the New York Times bestselling book “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt. Perhaps Dr. Toughlove will review that book in an upcoming column.
“Lost and Found” is one of a series of books Jeffers has written and illustrated about the relationship that develops between a boy and a penguin. Once upon a time, there was a boy who finds a penguin at his front door. The penguin looks very sad indeed, and the boy decides to try to help the penguin find his way home. He goes to the Lost and Found office for help, asks birds to assist, and even discusses this dilemma with his rubber ducky.
As the story evolves it becomes clear that the boy and the penguin have forged a wonderful friendship. The boy has a brainstorm – he is going to return the penguin to the South Pole where he thinks he belongs.
One of my favorite parts of the story is when the boy and the penguin are in a rowboat, heading for the South Pole. They encounter a scary storm where the “waves were as big as mountains” (p.16 and 17). The two-page illustration is dramatic and usually gets a verbal reaction from the listener. It captures the attention and imagination of the reader as well as the child or children who are fortunate enough to listen to this book.
Dr. Toughlove doesn’t want to give the story away, but let it suffice to say that there is a happy ending and the boy and the penguin discover the true meaning of friendship. Oliver Jeffers’s whimsical illustrations and simple, child-friendly print makes this book a great selection for children from preschool age through second grade. Dr. Toughlove read this book to her grandchildren when they were preschoolers and they loved it.
“Lost and Found” by Oliver Jeffers is available at Queen Anne’s County Library.