by Shaun Tan

Lost & Found compiles three stories, originally published in Australia as separate books, with additional new artwork. Each tale creates a dream world that draws the reader in with just a few words and engrossing images. There’s so much detail to explore in the illustrations, even references to other famous paintings like Hopper’s streetscapes.These illustrated books don’t really fit neatly into a narrow genre or age range. The stories in Lost & Found can be read as fables for children or as allegories for adults. All three stories deal with the experience of loss, but there’s great hope in The Red Tree and The Lost Thing. The Rabbits, written by John Marsden, has a much darker and more adult feel.

The Lost Thing has been made into a film, which won an Academy Award for Best Short Animated Film. Visit Shaun Tan’s website at www.shauntan.net, where he talks about his philosophy and creative process. If you enjoy Lost & Found, check out Tan’s award-winning books Tales From Outer Suburbia and The Arrival.

elementary age to adult, reviewed by Victoria