Page Turners: Eric

I am still reading Dearly Departed, I'm sorry it's taking me so long! It's really good, I swear!

So today I recommend that you check out:

Eric by Shaun Tan is a brilliant little graphic novel. It's small enough to put in your pocket! I found my copy in the Picture Book section in Waterstone's but it's not particularly a children's book so I'm not sure why it was there over the actual Graphic Novel section, although of course it can fit in both places and I do love encouraging kids to branch out.

From Goodreads:

Eric is eternally curious and effortlessly charming - a house guest whose approach to the world will capture your heart. This is a mini gift edition of one of the most loved stories from the multi-award-winning, internationally lauded masterpiece Tales from Outer Suburbia.

Coveted Cover: The Arrival

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

This book contains no words, just pictures, and it doesn't need any. It's amazing and if you haven't read it, go out and buy it right now. I love the art because it's a mixture of realism and surreal and I think the cover is gorgeous.

From Goodreads:

In a heartbreaking parting, a man gives his wife and daughter a last kiss and boards a steamship to cross the ocean. He's embarking on the most painful yet important journey of his life- he's leaving home to build a better future for his family.

Shaun Tan evokes universal aspects of an immigrant's experience through a singular work of the imagination. He does so using brilliantly clear and mesmerizing images. Because the main character can't communicate in words, the book forgoes them too. But while the reader experiences the main character's isolation, he also shares his ultimate joy.