A charming portrait of 1950s America from the author of the children’s classics The Three Robbers and Moon Man This extravagant book presents 330 of Tomi Ungerer’s illustrations, paintings and collages, many of them previously unpublished. When Ungerer moved from the Alsace to New York in the mid-1950s and began working as a graphic designer and illustrator, a crazy new world opened itself up to him, which the artist transformed into what are perhaps the most remarkable and powerful works of his career―expressive and universal pictures that present the land of opportunity in an inimitable manner.Tomi Ungerer (born 1931) failed his final school exams yet subsequently hitchhiked throughout Europe and published his first drawings in the legendary Simplicissimus magazine. He began his extensive career as an illustrator, children’s book author and artist in New York. In 2003 Ungerer was appointed the first Ambassador for Childhood and Education by the Council of Europe, and in 2007 the Tomi Ungerer Museum opened in Strasbourg, making him the first living artist with a museum dedicated to his life and work in France. In 2014 he received France’s National Order of Merit, and in 2018 he was appointed Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur by French president Emmanuel Macron. Ungerer lives with his family in southwest Ireland and Strasbourg.
Tomi Ungerer Book order
Jean-Thomas Ungerer, also known as Tomi, was a French illustrator celebrated for his provocative and politically charged illustrations, as well as his children's books. His works frequently explore the boundaries of taste and morality with a unique visual imagination. Ungerer's art is rich in irony and social commentary, delivered with uncompromising candor and a distinctive style.







- 2023
- 2021
This collection of drawings and one-page cartoons by the internationally infamous cartoonist (and beloved children's book author) is a universal condemnation of human rottenness.
- 2020
Underground Sketchbook
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Originally published in 1964, Tomi Ungerer’s infamous Underground Sketchbook became a notorious aesthetic talisman among in-the-know cartoonists and fan connoisseurs, revered for its audacious visual wit and coruscating and absurdist humor, spoken about with awe among the tribe of cartooning lovers. It is the first book in which the award-winning children’s book illustrator let loose, a blast of social commentary, dada-esque observations, and existential angst. Jonathan Miller, in his introduction to the original book, described the work as “an iconography of this bewildering, centrifugal universe. Ungerer illustrates a world where things are coming apart, where the old unquestioned entities are at best provisional arrangements, loosely thrown together and never to be relied upon.” Sound familiar? Underground Sketchbook is, among other things, a relentless rage against avarice, unfettered consumerism, alienation, the exploitation of everything, the mechanization of human experience, and the public acquiescence to the worst instincts that fuel a modern economy — as timely now as it was then, if not moreso. This is as powerful a dose of visual ingenuity, moral outrage, and bemused disgust at the human comedy that you are ever likely to experience by an artist of international renown.
- 2020
Nonstop
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The legendary children's book author's last picture book sends a powerful message to guide us through trying times
- 2018
Emile: The Helpful Octopus
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Tells the story of Emile, a brave and helpful octopus.
- 2016
Tomi Ungerer: A Treasury of 8 Books
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Eight classic picture books by the legendary author, brought together in one lavish slipcased volume This glorious treasury brings together eight iconic tales by Tomi Ungerer, featuring well-known classics (The Three Robbers, Moon Man, Otto), acclaimed recent works (Fog Island), and lost gems (Zeralda's Ogre, Flix, The Hat, and Emile), some of which are being published for the first time in 50 years! Special features include a personal letter from Tomi, new quotes and anecdotes about each story, an exclusive interview, photos and previously unpublished materials from the making of some of his most celebrated works, such as storyboards, sketches, photographs, and images that inspired him.
- 2015
Rufus. Rufus, die farbige Fledermaus, englische Ausgabe
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Tomi Ungerer's classic tale about a bat who learns to embrace his differences through friendship. Like all bats, Rufus sees life in black and white, until he chances upon an outdoor movie theatre and is awakened to the dazzling world of colours for the first time. Inspired and excited, Rufus paints his own wings and ventures out into the day, only to discover that his unusual appearance attracts unwelcome attention. Though he is initially rejected for his difference, Rufus soon learns to accept himself for who he is, thanks to a new friend. First published in 1961, this classic story of difference and acceptance is as relevant today. Beautifully written and illustrated by the internationally acclaimed author and illustrator, Tomi Ungerer, winner of the prestigious Hans Christian Anderson Award for children's literature. A picture book for ages 3-6.
- 2015
The Mellops Go Spelunking
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
A hilarious underground adventure starring the world's most adventurous family of pigs. When Mr. Mellops' golf ball rolls down a crevice, the family's natural response is to prepare a spelunking (cave exploring) expedition! Down the crevice they go, with their steel helmets and rope ladder. Then, on a rubber raft they follow the underground river at the bottom of the crevice. Stalactites and stalagmites abound, and cave paintings and other remnants of the past are everywhere. Suddenly the raft is punctured, and the Mellops swim to safety – only to find themselves in a smugglers' den. In an exciting turn of events, the clever pigs combine their archaeological explorations with the ingenious capture of these outlaws. A timeless favourite! Instant bestsellers when first published more than fifty years ago, the hilarious Mellops talks are reissued today to delight a new generation of children. Beautifully written and illustrated by the internationally acclaimed author and illustrator, Tomi Ungerer, winner of the prestigious Hans Christian Anderson Award for children's literature. A picture book for ages 3–6.
- 2015
Snail, Where Are You?
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
A newly revitalized edition of Tomi Ungerer’s childrenâ??s classic. Snail, where are you? At a party? At sea? In the mountains? Young sleuths will have hours of fun finding Tomi Ungerer’s snail in his many disguises. This beautiful, classic concept book, first published in 1962, has been re‐imagined with added text to enhance the playful, gorgeously restored and revitalized illustrations.
- 2014
One, Two, Where's My Shoe?
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
A visual game to find a shoe in Ungerer's illustrations