TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA

a. Bibliographic data:

Tan, Shaun. TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc., Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009. ISBN 9780545055871

b. Plot summary:

         Shaun Tan takes his readers through 15 illustrated stories that portray a normal society with some peculiar additions. These beautifully disturbing stories will allow us to discover the world unseen of the out suburbia, a place not so far off from normal. From the adorable alien exchange student to a demanding reindeer to a map that leads to the end of the earth, TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA will ignite a childlike wonder from its captivating pages. 

c. Critical Analysis:

         Shaun Tan has created a fantastic graphic novel of the most random occurrences amongst the most mundane suburb. The way he begins the book and follows throughout makes the reader believe that everything is completely commonplace and that nothing is out of the ordinary… not even a talking buffalo or an alien exchange student. His tone is what makes the story because without it, this book would seem much more far off into the fictional realm. One of my favorite quotes from the book that really represents Tan’s nonchalant way of describing daily occurrences was when he said, “It's funny how these days, when every household has its own intercontinental ballistic missile, you hardly even think about them." The town, normal and average, has quite a few missiles decorated in between houses. Each page contains a new way to make the strange seem quite ordinary.  

         The artwork in this book is very detailed and has different styles. Since there are 15 different short stories in this book, each one has its own unique color scheme and mood. The change between stories is not always a flow but I think that is quite intentional because this book is just so different than anything I have ever read. The characters are relatable in a sense that they are curious, adventurous, experience, anger and sadness just as any other human, but it is difficult to attach to any of them since they are briefly mentioned and do not go into much detail. There was an alien exchange student that stole my heart though! He was quite polite and left a sweet treat for his host family after he left. Although I wouldn’t recommend this book for children, I think its still a great read for young adults and even older adults because of the wonder and curiosity that it unlocks within us as we read.

d. Reviews:

The thoughtful and engaged reader will take from these stories an experience as deep and profound as with anything he has ever read."

-Booklist

Ideas and imagery both beautiful and disturbing will linger." -Publishers Weekly

In some stories, Tan has replaced the sparse, atmospheric text entirely with pictures, leaving the reader to absorb the stunning visual impact of his imagined universe. Several poems—and a short story—told via collage are included. Graphic-novel and text enthusiasts alike will be drawn to this breathtaking combination of words and images.”- Kirkus Reviews

Fifteen short texts, each accompanied by Tan’s signature black-and-white and full-color artwork, take the mundane world and transform it into a place of magical wonders.” - School Library Journal

“Strip away the banalities at the center of contemporary suburban life and you’ll find wonder at its edges—that would seem to be the common theme that connects these richly illustrated short stories and vignettes by Australian author/ illustrator Tan… the craftsmanship is impeccable; here the combination of words and visuals creates a stunning overall effect, inviting lingering and many return visits.” -Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The real story here is the pictures. Some display the somber polish of the Arrival vignettes, others are full-color, full-page fantasies; each one has more than enough power to seduce the browser into looking closely into its mysteries.” -Horn Book

“Tales from Outer Suburbia is not quite like anything else, and that's perhaps the best thing of all about it, opening up reading as a sort of strong, wild and individual activity.” -Chicago Tribune

“Tan’s mixed-media art, with its surreal landscapes, rescued turtles, and decorated missiles, both illuminates the text and highlights the strange beauty of the ordinary.” -Washington Post

“At times touching, at times absurd, this book of stunning illustrations explores surreal suburban landscapes.” -San Francisco Chronicle

Awards/Honors:

Spring 2009 Kid's Indie Next List
Best Artist, World Fantasy Awards 2009
CBCA Book of the Year, 2009
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2009
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2009
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book 2009
Washington Post Best Kids' Books of the Year
Booklist Editors’ Choices for 2009
A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, 2010
An ALA Notable Book for Children, 2010
USBBY Outstanding International Book, 2010
LA Times Book Prize, Finalist

e. Connections:

Students can attempt their own graphic novel with limited word allotment. I think they will find it is harder than you might think to create a novel without so many words.

This book can be compared with Tan’s other very famous graphic novel, THE ARRIVAL. Or it could be compared with one of his other books such as THE BIRD KING: AN ARTIST’S NOTEBOOK, RULES OF SUMMER, or LOST & FOUND.

Students can read the short interview with Shaun Tan and respond to it using some from of writing tool.

Interview: http://blog.artandwriting.org/2011/04/27/talking-with-shaun-tan-on-the-arrival-tales-from-outer-suburbia-and-inspiration/