Tales from Outer Suburbia

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tan, Shaun. 2006. TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 9780545055871

PLOT SUMMARY

In this short story collection, Shaun Tan teaches us what really happens in suburbia through clever text and oddly eclectic artwork. Each of the fifteen stories deals with an occurrence in suburbia and how the suburbanites react (or are so oblivious that they don’t even notice when, say, stick figures invade the neighborhood).  The stories involve a strange cast of characters, but ultimately teach lessons about life and those around us.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Most striking is Tan’s beautiful artwork which accompanies each tale.  It may be hard to decide if it’s the artwork or the text that creates the power behind this work, as they fuse together so perfectly.  With no specific setting, beyond the suburban area, the reader can muse that this may be his or her town that is being described.  Certainly a distant cry from realism, the book is down-to-earth enough that it may cause the reader to pay a bit more attention to the neighborhood. Between foreign exchange students who are actually miniscule aliens and a large water buffalo who gives the best guidance, fans may be surprised to find how much they learn about the world from these short tales. TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA is a true delight to read and one that should be enjoyed time and time again.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Australian Book Industry Award for Illustrated Book of the Year (2009)

World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Collection (2009)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “While somewhat hard to place due to the unusual nature of the piece, this book is a small treasure, or, rather, a collection of treasures.”

BOOKLIST: “The thoughtful and engaged reader will take from these stories an experience as deep and profound as with anything he or she has ever read.”

CONNECTIONS

Certainly Shaun Tan’s other works deserve a read:

Tan, Shaun. THE ARRIVAL. ISBN 978-0439895293

Tan, Shaun. LOST AND FOUND. ISBN 978-054229241

And for a little insight into the world and the art of the author, check out:

Tan,Shaun. BIRD KING AND OTHER SKETCHES. ISBN 978-1848770508