About (from back of book): This book contains 3 stories : A girl finds a bright spot in a dark world. A boy leads a strange, lost creature home. And a group of peaceful creatures cedes their home to cruel invaders.
My Thoughts:
Shaun Tan has created a world that speaks differently to each person who opens up this book. I'm drawn by his quirky and strange images. I have a copy of "The Arrival" on my middle school library shelves and students often like to tell me what they thought the images were about. I love hearing their interpretations and comparing them to mine. I'm just a bit afraid that the first story, The Red Tree, may be one that younger readers may not connect with, but the The Lost Thing and The Rabbits are both stories that are universal. I will certainly be adding this title to my school collection because I can see people, young and old alike, getting lost in his artwork and letting the story take over their imagination.
Recommend? Yes, especially if you've never had the opportunity to see Tan's artwork. Each page is a new adventure and what I love the most is that no two person's experience will be the same!!
 | ||||
| The Lost Thing, The Red Tree, and The Rabbits |
Published: March 1, 2011Publisher: ScholasticPages:unnumberedGenre: Graphic Novel/Picture BookISBN: 9780545229241*Uncorrected Advance Copy © 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
It was a fun change to see a graphic novel reviewed for the book club. The illustrations are cool.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about Shaun Tan, but have yet to read one of his books. Will keep an eye out for this.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of these!! I am thinking me and Adam should get these!! Sounds great! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteI will have to check this one out at the library. I have not seen Tan's work.
ReplyDeleteI agree his art is definitely worth taking a look at. The stories themselves seem kind of weird, but what a creative guy!
ReplyDeleteI read this book quite a while ago. I agree with you on the artwork - it's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI continue to say this but you read such a vast array of genres, I wish I was willing to challenge myself! Reading just two books a month... I only read what I really want to read :)
ReplyDeleteHope that makes sense...
I've really been wanting to read this one. But I've got to get to a real book store--I have a feeling it just wouldn't work on a kindle :)
ReplyDeleteThis would make the perfect gift for a child I know! Thank you for reviewing!
ReplyDeleteI could spend hours just looking over the pictures in Tan's books.
ReplyDeleteI do like weird pics like that :D
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about Tan's work. I look forward to actually getting my hands on one of his books someday.
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you found a new book for middle schooler's! The artwork is great!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book that will appeal to many a middle-schooler.
ReplyDeleteI had to comment, too, on your comment on Scott's post about Patricia Cornwell. I've been a fan of hers for years, and I agree that some of her more recent novels just aren't as good as the early ones. I turned to Kathy Reichs' books instead, but the last one of hers disappointed me, too. I have the feeling that some of these authors are just trying to meet a publishing deadline...or maybe they've decided anything they write will sell, no matter whether it's good or not.
Looks like one to look at the next time I'm at the library.
ReplyDeleteLove these illustrations! And my boys are very into graphic novels, so this might be a good fit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
I'm so glad to hear about Shawn Tan's new book. I read The Arrival last year and I was completely captivated by that story. The art work is beyond amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really interesting! I am going to have to check out a copy!
ReplyDeleteI have been very impressed with Tan's work, so I'm looking forward to getting to this one.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to give this author a try for some time now. I've heard nothing but good things about his work. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to get my hands on these books--Shaun Tan's in the news these days, having won this year's highly prestigious Astrid Lindgren award for international children's literature.
ReplyDeleteThere's an animated version of The Lost Thing out there somewhere, maybe on YouTube. It's stunning. The Rabbits has been under discussion lately, some people arguing that it misrepresents indigenous peoples while other say it's spot on. NOthing like controversy to confirm an author's brilliance!
I didn't realize there was one book with all three stories in it. Thanks so much for the review. (Sorry I'm so late arriving on the scene.)