What would it be like to have a children's story-book without fairies, princesses and princes, dungeons and dragons and the usual haberdasheries known as the ingredients of a children's book?

What if there was a book of stories set in the urban concrete jungle about everyday things that made normal life look magical? With beautiful illustrations, and wordplay, Shaun Tan did just that.



In Tales from Outer Suburbia the stories revolve around the tiny elements of our daily lives that we barely give any credit but play a significant role nevertheless. Stories about loss, about kindness and empathy and the struggles of marriage. Adult themes written for children, to allow their inquisitive minds to face the reality of our existences.



Whether or not Shaun Tan has been successful in portraying the story of modern urban life to children is up to the readers and their parents to decide. No matter what, one has to admit that Tan's work does leave a mark on the mind of his readers, regardless of age.







Happy reading!