Author: Shaun Tan
Published and Distributed by Allen & Unwin
RRP: NZ$35.00
GT Issue 2010 T2
From the author of ‘The Arrival’, the thought provoking and moving book without words which is so powerful it was soon made into an inspiring stage production. The question was always “what can this writer/illustrator of such peerless innovative literature produce next?”
The answer is a collection of short stories, published by Allen & Unwin, which again stretch the imagination, give a perspective which can change and is dependent on the readers background as well as their cultural or philosophical perspective.
The stories can be visited more than once as on each reading the understanding will change.. add into the mix those illustrations which are increasingly recognisable as Tan’s signature and the reader realises that as with his other books this is one to keep and savour, over and over again. They are also brilliant starters for literacy groups, the scope for questions to lead thinking is almost infinite.
As an educational tool this book is fantastic… it is also one which is a worthy winner of the ‘quirky gift for a friend who has everything’ award.
A collection of Shaun Tan books on your bookcase will always attract readers (and borrowers!) and if the opportunity arises to attend a seminar or course he runs I would recommend that you try to attend… for the librarian, teacher artist and illustrator they are a ‘not to be missed’ experience.
Allen & Unwin have now released one of the above short stories in its own hard cover book.
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