Praise for The Singing Bones"[Tan's] starkly lit sculptures... have a look reminiscent of Inuit art; they appear simplified and smoothed by many hands. Their scale is hard to gauge. They seem simultaneously monumental and small enough to tuck in a pocket, like Japanese netsuke." — New York Times Book Review* "Although readers can only see Tan's remarkable artistry in two dimensions, the figures exert an almost primal force. Rather than simply represent what happens in these stories, these pieces embody their power." — Publishers Weekly, starred review* "These inscrutable, unsettling sculptures demand that viewers connect art and tale, examining their own reactions to the darkest impulses and glimpses of light within the book — and themselves." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "Almost any person with a bit of understanding about folk and fairy tales can pick this up and find it powerful, amusing, disturbing, and cool, but older readers who take the time to dive into the essays by Gaiman, Zipes, and Tan will get the most out of this thoughtful, creative collection." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review* "A stunning, eerie addition to fairy tale and folklore collections." — Booklist, starred review"The artist's personal afterword and note on his medium and process, inspired by and stylistically reflective of 'Inuit stone carvings and pre-Columbian clay figurines,' along with some suggestions for further reading, complete this thoughtful compendium." — Horn Book Magazine"The Singing Bones will appeal to fans of history and art, as well as lovers of fantasy and fairytales. Reluctant readers and skimmers will like the short excerpts. Unlike any other, this is not your average fairytale book." — VOYAPraise for The ArrivalA New York Times Best Illustrated Book* "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 reviewPraise for Tales from Outer SuburbiaA New York Times Best Illustrated Book* "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"Tan's work overflows with human warmth and childlike wonder." — New York TimesPraise 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 DealerPraise 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 reviewPraise for Rules of Summer* "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"Visually fascinating." —New York Times
★ 2016-07-02
Tan’s latest book is a portable gallery: each spread features an artfully illuminated sculptural scene facing a paragraph-length “explanation”—an excerpt from one of 75 Grimm fairy tales. Tan created 50 sculptures for Philip Pullman’s Grimms Märchen (2013), a 512-page collection of familiar and lesser-known tales, available only in German. To present his menagerie to English speakers, Tan here adds more stories and art, eliciting text and an introduction from scholar Jack Zipes. Lean, powerful dialogue and descriptions accompany pieces with complex patinas, textured settings, and provocative subjects acting out their vengeance, charity, jealousy, and love. The objects, inspired by Inuit and pre-Columbian figurines, are sculpted from clay over papier-mâché and finished with acrylics, oxidized metal powder, and shoe polish. An evil queen is blood red, all sharp edges. Cinderella’s gilded face is framed claustrophobically by a rough, conical hearth. The titular story features an older brother about to kill his sibling to win their father’s favor. Readers must turn to the summaries at the back of the book to understand this entry (and others). While some will find this format useful, others will yearn for a complete narrative in context; Tan encourages readers to use this alongside Zipes’ The Complete Fairy Tales (1987). These inscrutable, unsettling sculptures demand that viewers connect art and tale, examining their own reactions to the darkest impulses and glimpses of light within the book—and themselves. (foreword, introduction, bibliography, afterword, annotated index) (Fairy tales. 12 & up)
