About this book

Never be late for a parade.
Never forget the password.
Never ruin a perfect plan.

It's all about the rules. But what if the rules feel completely arbitrary? What if your older brother is the only one who gets to make them up all summer long? And what if he's the only one who can save you when the darkness of winter comes rushing in?

As usual, master artist and storyteller Shaun Tan shows us the strange truth of ordinary things -- rules, relationships, despair, and hope -- as only he can.

Reviews

Praise for Rules of Summer

An NPR Greatest Read
A Publishers Weekly Best Book
A School Library Journal Best Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book
A Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book

"Visually fascinating." -- New York Times

* "As always, the swirl of emotion that Tan's artwork kicks up lingers long after the book is closed." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Sumptuous and sincere -- this title is a winner." -- School Library Journal, starred review


Praise for The Arrival

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book
An ALA Top Ten Great Graphic Novel for Teens
A Publishers Weekly Best Book

"Mesmerizing... Such visual eloquence can only motivate readers to seek out any future graphic novels from Shaun Tan, regardless of where they might be shelved." -- New York Times Book Review

"Astonishing." -- The Washington Post

* "Filled with both subtlety and grandeur, the book is a unique work that not only fulfills but also expands the potential of its form." -- Booklist, starred review

* "An unashamed paean to the immigrant's spirit, tenacity and guts, perfectly crafted for maximum effect." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Few will remain unaffected by this timeless stunner." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review


Praise for Tales from Outer Suburbia

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book
A Publishers Weekly Best Book

"You almost can't stop yourself from saying 'Wow...' Tan's work overflows with human warmth and childlike wonder." -- New York Times Book Review

* "The thoughtful and engaged reader will take from these stories an experience as deep and profound as with anything he has ever read." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Graphic-novel and text enthusiasts alike will be drawn to this breathtaking combination of words and images." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review


Praise for Lost & Found: Three by Shaun Tan

* "These stories representing the visionary work of a master storyteller, illustrator, and designer who cares deeply about his message deserve a place in almost every collection." -- Booklist, starred review

"Shaun Tan rocks my retinas... The book is gorgeously designed, the stories are evocative and mysterious, and every page of Tan's paintings -- I can't bring myself to call them mere illustrations -- commands long moments of study." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer


Praise for The Bird King: An Artist's Notebook

* "The sharing of unfinished work is a generous gesture, and the collection is a treasure trove for any young artist who wants to know more about how ideas are captured on paper." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Unmistakable are his flawless craftsmanship, his organically industrial yet timeless aesthetic, and his lyrically haunting style and tone... A powerful springboard for the imagination." -- Booklist, starred review