Oliver Jeffers

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About Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers is an artist, designer, illustrator and writer from Northern Ireland.
From figurative painting, collage and installation to illustration and award winning picture-books, Oliver Jeffers practice takes many forms.
His distinctive paintings have been exhibited in multiple cities, including the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Brooklyn Museum New York.
HarperCollins UK and Penguin USA publish his picture books, now translated into over 36 languages, including The Incredible Book Eating Boy, and the New York Times Bestseller This Moose Belongs to Me and #1 New York Times Bestseller The Day The Crayons Quit.
Oliver won an Emmy in 2010 for his collaborative work with artist and filmmaker Mac Premo. He has made art for Newsweek, The New York Times, United Airlines, TED, Nintendo, and has illustrated a a number of novels.
In 2007, Jeffers was the official illustrator for World Book Day.
Lost and Found became Oliver's first book to made into animation by London based Studio AKA, screening on Christmas Eve 2008 on Channel 4 in the UK and on Nickelodeon in the US and Australia.
In 2013, Jeffers illustrated the vinyl cover (a drawing of Nelson Mandela) for the U2 song "Ordinary Love". Jeffers also co-directed (with Mac Premo) the video for the U2 song "Ordinary Love".
Oliver grew up in Belfast Northern Ireland and now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.
See more at www.oliverjeffers.com, or visit his instagram, facebook, and twitter @oliverjeffers
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Blog postI made this piece over the weekend knowing it wouldn’t be long before it was relevant to post.
The gun control debate isn’t really about gun control anymore. It’s about identity.
Those who identify as gun owners feel their identity is threatened when the issue of gun control is raised- that we shouldn’t discuss policy change when emotions are high. But if the barrel from one shooting has barely cooled before there is another, this ‘unemotional’ window does not exist.
So h4 years ago Read more -
Blog postExcited to launch this brand new art poster staring all of your favorite crayons 🖍 to see more follow @oliverjeffersstuff - an account we’ve started to post behind the scenes content and exclusive promotions for everything #OJStuff.
5 years ago Read more -
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Blog postI am delighted to announce that I HAVE A NEW BOOK COMING OUT THIS NOVEMBER!
It’s been over a year and a half in the making and is based on the things I began saying to our newborn son the moment we took him home from the hospital as I gave him a quick tour of our apartment.
It started off as a book about the realization that new life is a blank slate (trying to explain what a door is, and what a kitchen is for), and the strangeness of being a new parent. But as the book unfolded,5 years ago Read more -
Blog postLove it when you look in a drawer you haven’t opened in a while and discover an old drawing you completely forgot existed.
5 years ago Read more -
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Blog postBefore My Time
Oil on canvas
2011
based on a photograph I found of a man, cropped at the head, holding a child’s hand. The photo was creased over the kid, and all the details of were lost. In my painting, I replaced the unknown boy with a portrait of myself, based on a photograph of taken of me at age 5.
The rough idea was that today was created by the hands of people yesterday, including the hands of the man in this found image. From his point of view, I am in the5 years ago Read more -
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Blog postView this post on Instagram A post shared by Oliver Jeffers (@oliverjeffers)
We are sending out a fresh batch of 💌 to congress to celebrate the new @nytimes article featuring @loveletteramerica 📮- congratulations @erinallweiss! 🥂 (link in bio)
5 years ago Read more -
Blog postView this post on Instagram A post shared by Oliver Jeffers (@oliverjeffers)
Discovered this old flipbook while cleaning the studio today. Made with @studioaka during the character development of the boy for #lostandfound.
5 years ago Read more -
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Blog post@samwinston_ and I are thrilled to be launching a very special, limited edition, letterpress art print celebrating #AChildOfBooks. We hope it is enjoyed by fellow book lovers around the world. 📚
For more info and photos check the link in bio.
5 years ago Read more -
Blog postView this post on Instagram A post shared by Oliver Jeffers (@oliverjeffers)
On World Book Day, let’s all remember imagination is free. Keep reading everyone. #worldbookday #achildofbooks
5 years ago Read more -
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Blog postDespite all our differences, you’re still alright!
Today, on #ValentinesDay, I’m helping launch @loveletteramerica where a series of postcards from a growing list of artists can be downloaded. You’ll be able to print out your favorite and write to your representative (or US embassy if you are overseas) reminding them what you love about the USA and the values these representatives should uphold.
#loveletteramerica 💌
5 years ago Read more -
Blog postI am delighted to announce that I will be launching my very first line of apparel, collectibles and wares into the world in one week. For the past six months, I have been collaborating with a small network of friends to craft objects that extend the story book world of #OnceUponAnAlphabet in to the homes and arms of people across the world. We have worked to make products that are covetable - not disposable- with a commitment towards ethical manufacturing. We have had fun making these things.5 years ago Read more
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Blog postNew Dip Print being released in one week.
More info soon…
#dippedpaintings #dippedprints
5 years ago Read more -
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Blog postIt’s important to remember..
NOTHING IS FOREVER CONSTANT
Oil on canvas, 2012
This is painted from an old black and white photograph my friend @digbyandiona found of a cockfight in Thailand.
I felt immediately compelled to paint it but make the birds full colour, as for a fleeting second, they are the most alive thing in the scene.
When backed into a corner, it is animal instinct to fight for survival.
Perhaps this is what we have just witnessed.
Perh6 years ago Read more -
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Blog postThose of you who are eligible to vote in this election, ask yourself, which version of the USA resonates with you?
6 years ago Read more -
Blog postThanks to everyone who came along to tonight’s performance.
Dipped Painting No.13
#dippedpaintings (at Mana Contemporary Chicago)
6 years ago Read more -
Titles By Oliver Jeffers
Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Blue crayon needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. Black crayon wants to be used for more than just outlining. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?
With giggle-inducing text from Drew Daywalt and bold and bright illustrations from Oliver Jeffers, The Day the Crayons Quit is the perfect gift for new parents, baby showers, back-to-school, or any time of year! Perfect for fans of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka and Lane Smith.
Praise for The Day the Crayons Quit:
Amazon’s 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year
A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2013
Goodreads’ 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year
Winner of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award
* “Hilarious . . . Move over, Click, Clack, Moo; we’ve got a new contender for the most successful picture-book strike.” –BCCB, starred review
“Jeffers . . . elevates crayon drawing to remarkable heights.” –Booklist
“Fresh and funny.” –The Wall Street Journal
"This book will have children asking to have it read again and again.” –Library Media Connection
* “This colorful title should make for an uproarious storytime.” –School Library Journal, starred review
* “These memorable personalities will leave readers glancing apprehensively at their own crayon boxes.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Utterly original.” –San Francisco Chronicle
The companion to the #1 blockbuster bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit!
“Highly anticipated (yes, even for adults)” —Entertainment Weekly
I'm not sure what it is about this kid Duncan, but his crayons sure are a colorful bunch of characters! Having soothed the hurt feelings of one group who threatened to quit, Duncan now faces a whole new group of crayons asking to be rescued. From Maroon Crayon, who was lost beneath the sofa cushions and then broken in two after Dad sat on him; to poor Turquoise, whose head is now stuck to one of Duncan's stinky socks after they both ended up in the dryer together; to Pea Green, who knows darn well that no kid likes peas and who ran away—each and every crayon has a woeful tale to tell and a plea to be brought home to the crayon box.
Praise for The Day the Crayons Came Home
"Mr. Daywalt’s text blends with Mr. Jeffers’s illustrations to make a picture book that will have children clamoring for more crayon adventures."—The Wall Street Journal
* "A masterwork of humor and design . . . Sure to be as popular as The Day the Crayons Quit."—Booklist, starred review
* "A brilliant, colorful tale that begs to be read aloud and a must-have for all collections."—School Library Journal, starred review
* "Once again, Daywalt and Jeffers create rich emotional lives and personalities for their colorful cast, and it’s hard to imagine a reader who won’t be delighted."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers once again offer perceptive and frequently hilarious insights…The Day the Crayons Came Home will have readers of all ages chuckling—and will inspire kids’ empathy and imagination in equal measure.”—BookPage
Praise for The Day the Crayons Quit
The #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon—over two years on the bestseller list!
Winner of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award
Amazon’s 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year
A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2013
Goodreads’ 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year
* “Hilarious . . . Move over, Click, Clack, Moo; we’ve got a new contender for the most successful picture-book strike.” –BCCB, starred review
“Jeffers . . . elevates crayon drawing to remarkable heights.” –Booklist
“Fresh and funny.” –The Wall Street Journal
"This book will have children asking to have it read again and again.” –Library Media Connection
* “This colorful title should make for an uproarious storytime.” –School Library Journal, starred review
* “These memorable personalities will leave readers glancing apprehensively at their own crayon bo
There is a wonder and magic to childhood. We don’t realize it at the time, of course . . . yet the adults in our lives do. They encourage us to see things in the stars, to find joy in colors and laughter as we play.
But what happens when that special someone who encourages such wonder and magic is no longer around? We can hide, we can place our heart in a bottle and grow up . . . or we can find another special someone who understands the magic. And we can encourage them to see things in the stars, find joy among colors and laughter as they play.
Oliver Jeffers delivers a remarkable book, a touching and resonant tale reminiscent of The Giving Tree that will speak to the hearts of children and parents alike.
From Oliver Jeffers, world-renowned picture book creator and illustrator of The Crayons' Christmas, comes a gorgeously told father-daughter story and companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller Here We Are!
What shall we build, you and I?
Let's gather all our tools for a start.
For putting together . . .
and taking apart.
A father and daughter set about laying the foundations for their life together. Using their own special tools, they get to work, building memories to cherish, a home to keep them safe, and love to keep them warm.
A rare and enduring story about a parent's boundless love, life's endless opportunities, and all we need to build a together future. The perfect baby shower gift or gift for new parents!
Praise for What We'll Build:
"[Has] the offbeat, sweet style Jeffers' fans know and love." --Kirkus Reviews
"An intensely personal statement of intergenerational fellowship and an obvious pick for library shelves best explored at home." --School Library Journal
"Children will love his playbook for building a future of love and imagination, and they will delight in the special relationship the father and daughter share." --Booklist
"Stroked in generous swaths of warm color and Jeffers's signature childlike scribbles . . . .. Jeffers's benediction portrays a parent who surrounds his child with love and steadies her as she learns how to bring her dreams to fruition." --Publishers Weekly
Once there was a boy, and that boy loved stars very much. So much so that he decided to catch one of his very own. But how? Waiting for them to grow tired from being up in the sky all night doesn't work. Climbing to the top of the tallest tree? No, not tall enough. The boy has a rocket ship . . . but it is made of paper and doesn't fly well at all. Finally, just when the boy is ready to give up, he learns that sometimes things aren't where, or what, we expect them to be.
Oliver Jeffers offers a simple, childlike tale of reaching for the stars, and emerging with a friend.
When a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: He flies it into outer space! Millions of miles from Earth, the plane begins to sputter and quake, its fuel tank on empty. The boy executes a daring landing on the moon . . . but there’s no telling what kind of slimy, slithering, tentacled, fangtoothed monsters lurk in the darkness! (Plus, it’s dark and lonely out there.) Coincidentally, engine trouble has stranded a young Martian on the other side of the moon, and he’s just as frightened and alone. Martian, Earthling—it’s all the same when you’re in need of a friend.
#1 New York Times bestseller
A TIME Magazine Best Book of the Year
A NPR Best Book of 2017
A Boston Globe Best Book of 2017
"Moments of human intimacy jostle with scenes that inspire cosmic awe, and the broad diversity of Jeffers's candy-colored humans...underscores the twin messages that 'You're never alone on Earth' and that we're all in this together."--Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
"A true work of art."--BuzzFeed
Oliver Jeffers, arguably the most influential creator of picture books today, offers a rare personal look inside his own hopes and wishes for his child--and in doing so gifts children and parents everywhere with a gently sweet and humorous missive about our world and those who call it home.
Insightfully sweet, with a gentle humor and poignancy, here is Oliver Jeffers' user's guide to life on Earth. He created it specially for his son, yet with a universality that embraces all children and their parents. Be it a complex view of our planet's terrain (bumpy, sharp, wet), a deep look at our place in space (it’s big), or a guide to all of humanity (don’t be fooled, we are all people), Oliver's signature wit and humor combine with a value system of kindness and tolerance to create a must-have book for parents.
Praise for Here We Are:
-"A sweet and tender distillation of what every Earthling needs to know and might well spend a lifetime striving to achieve. A must-purchase for new parent shelves"--School Library Journal
-"From the skies to the animal kingdom to the people of the world and lots of other beautifully rendered examples of life on Earth, Here We Are carries a simple message: Be kind." --NPR
-"[An] enchanting gem of a children's book"--NBC's Today Show
-"A must-have book for parents."--Gambit
-"A celebration of people all shapes and sizes, and of the beauty and mystery of our Earth."--Booklist
-"...a beautifully illustrated guide to living on Earth and being a good person."--Brightly
-[Here We Are] is a tour through the land, the sea, the sky, our bodies; dioramas of our wild diversity....[Jeffers] is the master of capturing the joy in our differences."--New York Times Book Review
A penguin has wings for a reason . . . doesn't he? Having a best friend with his own airplane is one thing, but actually experiencing what it feels like to fly by himself? Here is one penguin who believes this is precisely what he needs to feel complete. Only . . . if flying by himself is so wonderful, then why does he feel so empty?
Because some experiences are better shared. (And penguins are much happier on the ground.)
Oliver Jeffers delivers the perfect companion to his much-loved Lost and Found. Penguins everywhere will take flight in delight.
What is a boy to do when a lost penguin shows up at his door? Find out where it comes from, of course, and return it. But the journey to the South Pole is long and difficult in the boy’s rowboat. There are storms to brave and deep, dark nights.To pass the time, the boy tells the penguin stories. Finally, they arrive. Yet instead of being happy, both are sad. That’s when the boy realizes: The penguin hadn’t been lost, it had merely been lonely.
A poignant, funny, and child-friendly story about friendship lost . . . and then found again.
Wilfred is a boy with rules. He lives a very orderly life. It's fortunate, then, that he has a pet who abides by rules, such as not making noise while Wilfred educates him on his record collection. There is, however, one rule that Wilfred's pet has difficulty following: Going whichever way Wilfred wants to go. Perhaps this is because Wilfred's pet doesn't quite realize that he belongs to anyone.
A moose can be obstinate in such ways.
Fortunately, the two manage to work out a compromise. Let's just say it involves apples.
Oliver Jeffers, the bestselling creator of Stuck and The Incredible Book Eating Boy, delivers another deceptively simple book sure to make kids giggle.
The animals? homes are disappearing. Tree by tree, the forest is being cut down. Clues! There must be clues. For instance, look--there is a mysterious bear carrying an ax! But what would a bear want with so many trees? Perhaps the discarded paper airplanes littering the forest floor have a story to tell?
Oliver Jeffers' quirky, childlike humor and lovable illustrations are in full effect in this funny whodunit featuring a winning cast of animals and a message about the importance of conservation and recycling.
If words make up the stories and letters make up the words, then stories are made up of letters. In this menagerie we have stories made of words, made FOR all the letters.
The most inventive and irresistible book of the year spans a mere 26 letters (don't they all!) and 112 pages. From an Astronaut who's afraid of heights, to a Bridge that ends up burned between friends, to a Cup stuck in a cupboard and longing for freedom, Once Upon an Alphabet is a creative tour de force from A through Z. Slyly funny in a way kids can't resist, and gorgeously illustrated in a way readers of all ages will pour over, this series of interconnected stories and characters explores the alphabet in a way that will forever raise the bar.
In Once Upon an Alphabet, #1 New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers has created a stunning collection of words and artwork that is a story book, alphabet book, and gorgeously designed art book all in one.
Praise for ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET:
An Amazon Best Book of 2014!
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year!
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year!
A New York Times Bestseller!
* "The silly, spare, slightly surreal text occasionally rhymes and endlessly surprises. An utterly delightful alphabet book."–Kirkus Review, starred review
* "With wry humor, equally droll ink illustrations, and a solid dose of alliteration, Jeffers creates delightful mini-narratives for each letter of the alphabet."–Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "An altogether stimulating, surprising, and satisfying reading experience."–School Library Journal, starred review
* "Whimsical, funny, occasionally tragic, and highly entertaining, this collection of (sometimes) interlocking tales is brilliantly inventive."–Horn Book, starred review
"Jeffers knows how to catch the attention of his young audience while challenging their imagination, intellect and vocabulary. This whimsical exploration of letters and language begs to be read over and over again."–BookPage
"Handsome, humorous and clad in bright tomato-red, [this] is the sort of book you may want to rush into the arms of imaginative, good-natured children between 4 and 10 years old. [T]his is no traditional abecedarian exercise.The stories are wonderfully varied, sometimes philosophical and often end surprisingly; the drawings are just as quirky and unpredictable."–The Wall Street Journal
"[W]itty from A to Z . . . no one would blame you for having a copy even if there are no kids in the house. Think of it as Edward Gorey for the preschool set — and their hip parents."–The Washington Post
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