It is a special thing to immerse oneself in the work of a creator of illustrated stories when that creator is highly skilled at both aspects of the work: the art AND the story. I have discussed just such an artist on Monday, David Mack. It seemed perfectly fitting to end the work week with another creative individual, who for years has inspired that same kind of excitement for me: Australian artist/storyteller Shaun Tan.
Rather than displaying examples of Tan’s work from a variety of sources, I am going to bookend the week by mimicking my David Mack discussion and discuss the wonder of Shaun Tan’s work by reviewing his latest book, which I read for the first time (and again a second time) this week:
Tales from Outer Suburbia.
Tales from Outer Suburbia ~Shaun Tan
2009, Arthur A. Levine Books
96 pages
5/5 stars
In one “its-over-all-too-soon” volume, Shaun Tan tells fifteen sometimes warm, sometimes heartbreaking, always engaging tales showcasing his talents with a wide variety of art styles. It is a strange, magical, whimsical concoction of stories in which the art is as much a part of the telling as the words are.
Some of the stories featured here have a deep melancholy, others are poignant, still others are quite funny. Without a doubt, each and every story is worth reading again and again and each and every illustration fires the imagination.
I was initially drawn to Shaun Tan’s work when reading The Red Tree. This lavishly illustrated, sparsely worded children’s book touched me in a way that went right the core. At the time I was the director of an outpatient therapy department and I brought many of my therapists in one-by-one to read the book. Several were like me in that something about the book caused the tears to well up and quite a few of them planned to pick up the book to use in therapy appointments. It may be a very effective children’s book. I don’t know. I do know that it continues to touch my adult heart to this day. There is a texture to his paintings that reminds me of colored chalk and so carries with it a degree of nostalgia from childhood art projects.
I was exposed to more of Shaun Tan’s collage style with the The Lost Thing. I really warmed to this art style as well, being fond of collage and found object art. It was obvious in these two books, and in perusing Tan’s website and seeing some of his pen and pencil drawings, that this guy had a wide range of talent.
In his last book, The Arrival, Tan used his pictures, sans words, to tell a tale so extraordinary that, like David Mack, he showed the world just what the graphic novel medium can do. The Arrival is just amazing. Tan did not use words and it is certainly easy to follow suit in trying to describe it and do it justice. Read it. That is my best advice.
In Tales From Outer Suburbia, Tan puts all of his talents to good use. Here are paintings, drawings, collaged illustrations, work that reminds me of woodcuts…and accompanying each image, or set of images, is a story that proves that the short story genre is one that can be used to great effect by someone who has mastered the technique.
Going into any detail with stories this short will only ruin them. It is better to just leave you with a few words and teasing images. Herein lie tales about:
Low-tech GPS in the form of a water buffalo.
A truly foreign exchange student.
A marriage right of passage that should probably be in use today.
Turtle rescue.
A bizarre reunion on dry land.
There are rooms within rooms.
Creative use of weapons of mass destruction.
And a story lovely collage story about poetry that is absolutely perfect for this, National Poetry Month.
And much, much more.
(“Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob…Malcolm.” Bonus ‘geek cred’ for all who get that line.)
Like the rest of Shaun Tan’s books, this is one that can be read to the kids. And to be sure, children, especially sophisticated ones, will get great enjoyment out of these rich confections. But I maintain that the true magic of Shaun Tan’s tales is unlocked by the adult with a child-like heart.
I am unsure if all of these tales are meant to have taken place in the same slightly-askew-from-normal Australian neighborhood or not, but viewing them as such leads me to want to compare it to Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine. In my mind they are kith and kin, certainly in their spirit.
Tales From Outer Suburbia is a dream from a design standpoint. The end papers, table of contents page, and even the opening and closing information pages are creatively designed and full of things that I won’t describe. They need to remain surprises for you to discover when you read this book. And read it you must, even if it means borrowing your neighbor’s copy or checking it out from your local library.
Though slightly more subtle in its message than Kabuki: The Alchemy, it is certainly a book to inspire creativity in those who allow it to do so. Shaun Tan is an incredibly gifted storyteller. Through his words and his images he bridges the gulf between childhood and adulthood, allowing those of us who no longer dwell on those shores to go back and visit them merely by turning a page.
I just love Shaun Tan. Did I tell you I finally got to read The Red Tree? I reviewed it in February I think and it’s by far the best picture book I’ve read. Just amazing! I’m in the waiting line to get this one at the library right now, though I’m sure I’ll probably end up buying it :p He did a book with John Marsden called The Rabbits that was incredible as well!
BTW, I read this post while listening to the song Moya by Godspeed You Black Emperor and the two just went together perfectly!
‘Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob, Malcolm.’ – Mirrormask!
Gorgeous book and great review; I love Tan’s work. This is another one for the wishlist (which is getting rather long, and it’s mostly the fault of people on here. You know who you are…)
You are breaking the bank this week, Carl! What better way to deplete funds, however. I think I will get Shaun Tan’s books for my nephew, who is 30, and going through some significant self-discovery right now.
Thanks for this Friday’s fave!
This is fantastic… I can muster only so much and I am so saddened my wallet is not a king’s treasury to order that and so many other books I want, but this post and these pictures even as a slight taste inspire so much in me. 🙂 Way to go.
Reading your blog is becoming far too dangerous! Such beautiful images, such a tantalizing description–only hinting at the stories definitely leaves me wanting more. I’m drowning in lists and longing (but alas, not in funds). Oh well. Will keep an eye out, if only to page through on the floor of a bookshop or library. Thanks!
And yet another beautiful, inspiring, all out fabulous Friday Favorites! Thanks, Carl!
Barnes&Noble and Amazon.com had only used copies of The Tree at HUGE prices. Did find a hardcover for sale at Borders, so ordered from there. I can’t wait to pass it on to my nephew! Thanks Carl.
Another great book from Shaun Tan. I picked this up already and I would give it 5 out 5 as well. Thanks again Carl for introducing me to another wonderful artist.
Jeff S.: I’m glad you enjoyed it! And you got to it before I did, you dirty rat! 😉
Qugrainne: I noticed The Red Tree was pretty expensive as well. I generally look for used copies in stores but never see it, or any of Tan’s books, which is too bad as I’d love to stock up on a bunch of them cheap for presents and giveaways. That is really sweet of you to be buying these for your nephew. I’m sure they’ll make a big difference.
Debi: You and your family would love this!
ds: I can understand, I am drowning in long lists as well. Sorry this place is so perilous. If it is any consolation, it is perilous for me as well.
Harry: I wish my wallet was a king’s treasury as well!!!
Stormfilled: Way to go! You get a gold geek star! Its good of you to point out all the miscreants who tempt us with more books for the wish list. I’ll join you in pointing the finger…at someone besides myself, of course. 😉
Chris: I’m glad you got to read it and enjoyed it so much. It is a wonderful book. I look forward to your review of this one. Rabbits is one I keep hoping to find as well. I’ll check out that song, always like to hear new (to me) music.
Great review. My favorite Tan book so far is “The Arrival”. I hadn’t heard of this one before. Thanks!
It is now Saturday Morning! Rather than using the Random Integer Generator I decided that something as inspiring as Kabuki: The Alchemy required a personal touch, so I went back to the names in a bowl method and the Fates have chosen:
Amanda!!!
Congratulations to you and thanks to all of you for your participation in the giveaway. I am excited that so many of you went out and purchased this and for the rest of you I hope you either find it in the library or, better yet, spend the $20 on Amazon and get your own copy. It is well worth it!!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff. I still don’t have any of Shaun Tan’s books, but I’ll have to amend that soon!
And congrats to Amanda!
I had seen this before and been curious, but I let it slip my mind. I won’t let it happen again. I can’t wait to get my hands on it after this.
Congrats, Amanda
Congratulations to Amanda! And ok, now i have another artist to try and find a book or two by! His work looks fascinating and it draws me in. the longer I look, the more there is to see. thanks, Carl!
A couple of years ago Shaun Tan’s The Arrival was my favourite book for the year despite the fact that it had absolutely no words in it. This book is currently waiting for me to go and pick it up from the library and I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on it.
I love your blog!
You’ve received an award. You can pick it up here: http://storytimewithtonya.blogspot.com/2009/04/lemonade-stand-award.html
I loved this one as well-I read it last month. I was sad it was so short, so when I got to the end, I read it again. 🙂
oh my oh my. that has to be THE COOLEST thing i have seen all year.
its actually fried my brain. i can’t think of anything else to say! its just TOO cool.
I WANT