Author & Illustrator Profile
Tomi Ungerer
4 Books
Tomi Ungerer was an acclaimed French-born illustrator, writer, and picture-book creator known for his witty, sometimes mischievous stories and bold visual style. His children’s books include classics such as Crictor, The Three Robbers, Moon Man, Adelaide, and the Mellops stories. He also illustrated books by other authors, including the original Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown.
Books in "The Mellops"
The Mellops are not an ordinary pig family. When an idea takes hold, they gather tools, make plans, and usually end up in the middle of a wonderfully chaotic adventure.
In this early Mellops story, the family turns its attention to flying. With Tomi Ungerer’s crisp drawings and dry humor, the pigs’ practical confidence meets the risks and surprises of taking to the air. Young readers can follow the excitement of invention, teamwork, and a family that never stays still for long.
Part animal story and part comic adventure, The Mellops Go Flying has the feel of a classic picture book for children who like clever families, bold plans, and machines that may not behave exactly as expected.
6-8 Years
A picnic in the country should mean fresh air and good food. For the Mellops, it becomes the start of an oil hunt when the mountain water tastes suspiciously awful.
Mr. Mellop and his family do what curious pigs do best: they investigate. Their search takes them from books and exhibits to the hard work of drilling, where dreams of discovery quickly become messier and more dangerous than expected.
Tomi Ungerer’s comic pig family brings energy and cleverness to this illustrated adventure. The Mellops Strike Oil is a lively story for readers who enjoy family teamwork, practical problem solving, and the kind of adventure where one bright idea can lead to a great deal of trouble.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
On Christmas Eve, each of the four Mellop brothers has the same brilliant idea: bring home a Christmas tree and surprise the family. One tree would be lovely. Four trees, however, create a problem no one expected.
Soon the Mellops must figure out what to do with too much holiday cheer and several disappointed piglets. Their answer turns a family mix-up into a warm, funny story about sharing, kindness, and making Christmas brighter for others.
Christmas Eve at the Mellops’ is a cheerful classic picture book with a gentle holiday spirit. Young readers who like animal families, small disasters, and thoughtful solutions will enjoy watching the Mellops turn confusion into generosity.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A dusty old clue sends the Mellops family straight toward the sea. Mr. Mellop has found a treasure map, and soon the whole pig family is ready for diving gear, danger, and a search beneath the waves.
Their adventure takes them to an underwater wreck, where treasure may be waiting and a giant octopus may be watching. As usual, the Mellops bring courage, curiosity, and a practical family spirit to a situation that quickly becomes more complicated than planned.
The Mellops Go Diving for Treasure is a brisk, funny picture-book adventure for readers who like maps, shipwrecks, sea creatures, and animal families. Tomi Ungerer’s classic style gives the story both old-fashioned charm and comic energy.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
