The Chairs: A Story About the Power of Community

By Author / Illustrator

Britta Teckentrup

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

Publisher

Prestel

ISBN

9783791376851

Format

Hardcover

Published

08-09-2026

Synopsis

In her most timely story to date, Britta Teckentrup tells a warm and deeply felt tale of belonging, exclusion, and the power of community.

One day, a yellow chair appears in a sunlit forest clearing - and nobody knows how it got there. Then another arrives, and another. As the clearing fills with creatures of every kind, a tender and joyful home takes shape, built on the simple pleasure of sharing a space with others.

But when exclusionary signs begin to appear overnight, that spirit is put to the test - and the animals must find the strength to reclaim what they have built together.

With her characteristic layered textures, glowing forest light, and richly populated scenes that reward slow looking, Teckentrup transforms a deceptively simple setting into a fully realized world. Funny, touching, and genuinely wise, with one particularly unforgettable scene involving a very large bear and a pair of woolly socks, The Chairs speaks directly to experiences children know from their own lives: the sting of being left out, the resolve it takes to stand up for others, and the joy of a community that welcomes all.

A beautiful new picture book from acclaimed author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup. The Chairs serves as a complementary pairing with the author's bestselling title The Swing. Thoughtful, moving and wise, this picture book is perfect for readers young and old.

A wonderfully produced hardback book using premium grade paper and ink. An evocative picture book that conjures an imaginary forest clearing for children to learn about acceptance, cooperation and resilience in the face of adversity.

Spread from The Chairs by Britta Teckentrup

Reviews

Louise

The Chairs by Britta Teckentrup is a beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking picture book that explores themes of community, belonging, inclusion and standing up for others. T

he story begins with a single yellow chair appearing in a forest clearing, followed by many more. As animals gather to share the chairs, a welcoming and joyful community develops where everyone has a place. However, when exclusionary signs begin appearing, the harmony of the forest is challenged, prompting the animals to work together to reclaim the inclusive space they have built.

Through simple yet powerful storytelling, Teckentrup presents important messages about fairness, empathy and social responsibility in a way that is accessible to young children. Her richly detailed illustrations invite readers to closely observe characters, emotions and relationships, making the story both engaging and meaningful.

This book is an excellent resource for a Key Stage 1 classroom (ages 5+), supporting learning across a range of curriculum areas. In PSHE and Relationships Education, it provides opportunities to discuss friendship, kindness, inclusion, diversity and what it means to be a good member of a community. In English, children can develop speaking and listening skills through discussion, explore character feelings, predict events and write diary entries, letters or alternative endings. The story also connects to Citizenship and Understanding the World, encouraging children to think about rules, fairness and how communities work together. In Art and Design, pupils can study Teckentrup's layered illustrations and create their own woodland scenes or collaborative artwork representing an inclusive community. The book can also support Geography and Science through exploration of woodland habitats and the animals featured in the story.

Funny, touching and ultimately hopeful, The Chairs is a valuable text that encourages children to reflect on their own experiences of belonging and inspires them to help create welcoming environments for everyone.

96 pages / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher