The most recent issue of my undergraduate alumni magazine featured an article on Shaun Tan, a West Australian artist. I loved the whimsical illustrations the article featured, and decided to see if my library had any of his books – good news: they do. Shaun describes his books as follows:

They are best described as ‘picture books for older readers’ rather than young children, as they deal with relatively complex visual styles and themes, including colonial imperialism, social apathy, the nature of memory and depression.

I’ve just finished “reading” The Red Tree, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a book about depression – very few (but very effective) words, lush, detailed illustrations, and a note of hopefulness at the very end. I’m not sure I’ve read such a concise and accurate description of depression before. Needless to say, I have every intention of looking at more of Shaun Tan’s books – The Arrival will be next.