Shaun Tan’s wonderfully whimsical children’s book cum graphic novel, Tales From Outer Suburbia, appeared on a lot of book bloggers’ ‘best of 2009′ lists, but up to that point, it wasn’t even on my radar. Then a coworker and friend who works in the children’s department here at the library recommended it to me.
Now, this particular person used to work in the Adult Services area, where I work. But early on, she moved over to the Children’s area (or as I like to call it, the dark side) and ever since has continually tried to foist various picture books on me, exclaiming over some treasure she’d found among the children’s stacks. And I’m sure they’re very good books, but I just do not generally read children’s books, particularly picture books. A few weeks ago, when I saw The Onion’s hilarious spoof of the popularity of children’s books among adults, I immediately thought of this friend (and sent her the link to the video, which got me called a not-very-kid-friendly name, all in good fun, of course). Here’s the clip, in case you haven’t seen it:
Adults Go Wild Over Latest In Children’s Picture Book Series
So anyway, if I hadn’t first heard about Tales From Outer Suburbia from my fellow book bloggers, I probably would have pooh-poohed my friend’s recommendation, and thus missed out on a delightful book that both charmed and touched me. As I finished each story, I would think, “OK, that’s my favorite,” only to go on to read the next one and say, “OK, no, THAT’s my favorite.” In the end, I don’t think I could choose just one story, as they are all wonderful in their exploration of the things that make suburban life both surreal and ordinary. The drawings are both sweet and evocative, with more than a touch of melancholy that give the stories emotional depth and draw the reader into this bizarre yet familiar landscape.
From sage-like water buffalo to a mysterious exchange student, to decorated backyard missiles and finding out for oneself what lies beyond the map, each story in this collection is a little bit of magic in a seemingly mundane world. Perhaps I’ll venture into the dark side a bit more often.
Applicable Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library, 100+ Reading Challenge, Graphic Novels Challenge,
Book Rating: 4: Good, solid book that I would recommend to others.
FTC Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library.
The missile story was my favorite! Or at least in the midst of my current mood it is. Glad you liked this one!
I really couldn’t pick just one! I did love the story of how the grandparents were married – it was so charming and couldn’t you just see someone telling their grandkids that story?
I have a really stupid – and simultaneously really compelling – reason for not reading this. See, essentially, Shaun Tan was at Foyles on Charing Cross Road, the same day earlier this year that I was there, and I didn’t know who he was. Indeed I may have, er, grumbled inwardly about his presence getting in the way of my browsing the YA section. And since then I have heard of him, and everyone loves him and I will probably love him too. And if I turn out to love this book, I will hate myself sooooo much for not appreciating Shaun Tan when the universe gave me him as a gift. So that’s why I’ve never read it. :\
Wow, that is quite the reason! I completely understand, though.
I read this book near the end of last year and really enjoyed it. He does good things.
He certainly does! Our mother/daughter book club is discussing it in February – I’ll be interested to see what they think of it.