Book Review: The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan

Today's Book Review is The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan. I have a confession to make. I skipped to the end half way through the book because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. Then I went back to the beginning and read it again, looking for different things. I couldn't read this book from front to back, it made me want to jump to different pages like I was trying to find the intangible essence that could save the 'thing' and give it a proper home, but I couldn't. And I wasn't meant to. You finish this book and feel yourself like a bit of a lost thing. Shaun Tan has an amazing capacity to impart emotion through his illustrated works. I am always a bit scared when I pick up a new one of his books that I haven't read before because I know it's going to leave a scar.


 
 Simply stunning. Suitable for children and adults who crave order, labels and structure, and those of us who are lost things ourselves and although we celebrate our differences, deep down desire a place to belong.

So many levels to this picture book, a great one to buy and read every year and see how your perception of the story changes. I bought it for an older friend of mine who was going through a hard time with an inscription in the front to read the book with an open heart then open her heart to me if she needs.  Pop into your nearest book store and read it for yourself. I would love to know your thoughts.


There is also a short film based on the book.

http://www.thelostthing.com/


Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 226 x 306 x 12mm | 260g Publication date 01 May 2010 Publisher Hachette Australia Imprint Lothian Children's Books Publication City/Country Sydney, Australia Language English Illustrations note 4-colour ISBN10 0734411383 ISBN13 9780734411389 http://www.bookdepository.com/Lost-Thing-Shaun-Tan/9780734411389?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com