The Red Tree
Shaun Tan

Lothian Books 2001

32p hc $24.95

The tunnel of darkness filled with deaf machines seems to go on forever
but there is always that red tree of hope, growing, growing.

This matchless book is cleverly written and illustrated with thoughts
and ideas that shallow-minded people would never understand, but even the smallest
children feel a stab in the heart and a tear in their eye as they tumble
into this book's depths. This story is understood so well because many have been
through what the story explains.

The Red Tree is simple, heartfelt and added to that, Shaun has managed
to entwine strong emotions and experiences, which indirectly refer to our world,
our troubles and us. At first glance this mysterious book lures you to
thirty minutes of gloominess and then at the end, ten seconds of sunshine.

Snuggling up with this book in a quiet corner offers you 1810 seconds of
a different, futuristic world while reading with a group is not as great
because the spell breaks when someone sighs or moves.

Younger children (year 1-3) will accept this book readily but the older ones
(most of year 4, 5 and 6) will disguise their feelings but being supposedly
"forced" to listen to it in Library time is a good idea as it is a good read.
Although most will scowl and pretend not to like it, there will always be one face
shining, shining.

Janette, aged 11.

Those who liked the look of 'The Lost Thing' will not be disappointed, as Shaun has used
a similar style in his illustrations in 'The Red Tree', although he has brought more collage
into it and the illustrations are stranger and more impressive to look at.

The front cover will make you wonder what the story's about and 'ask' you to open it.
Little treasures can be found amongst the picturesque scenery and if you look closely
you can find a red leaf on each double page.

The story - like the illustrations - is unusual, although the theme is similar to the 1996
Book Week Picture Book Award Winner 'Just Another Ordinary Day' (a day in the life of a person).
However, 'The Red Tree' has more of a real-life feel to it whereas 'Just Another Ordinary Day'
completely forgets about the square it lives in..... In my opinion, 'The Red Tree' could go further than its
predecessor 'The Lost Thing', which was nominated for the 2001 Book Week Picture Book Award.

Unfortunately, most of the intended age group won't like 'The Red Tree' as the littlies
will not understand what the point is and most of the older kids won't appreciate it.

 Henry, 11 years.

The Red Tree is a beautifully illustrated picture book created by Shaun Tan. This simple but meaningful book is a lot more than pretty pictures, it is quite valid in the way of words. I would suggest this book for older readers who would appreciate the depth that this book has. If you feel that nobody understands you or the world is a deaf machine without any sense or reason and that you think that maybe a small red leaf will change your miserable day into one worthwhile, then this is the book for you. Find out for yourself if Shaun Tan really has voiced your true inner feelings.

Shaun Tans latest creation is an excellent picture book and is a great read, but youll have to find out just how worthwhile for yourself

Charlotte, aged 11, Canberra, ACT

A Book Of Hope

The Red Tree was written and illustrated by Shaun Tan.  It was first published in 2001 by Lothian Books.  The story is about a girl who is having a very bad day but keeps missing just one thing. 

This book, I think, is more aimed at older readers (11 and above), as younger readers will often miss the moral of the story and not understand it as well as older readers.  I myself didnt realize the special message until near the end.  I think this book will bring a tear to the eye.  I absolutely loved this book because of the meaningfulness it has and the reality it shows.  The pictures, well how can I explain them, are intricate and you will spend hours looking at al the funny things that are in them.  You will also find a red leaf on every page. I would totally recommend this book as it has a message that everyone should know.

So pick this book up now!

A Book Red Hot With Hope

The Red Tree was written by Shaun Tan and published by Lothian Books in 2001.The book The Red Tree is about a small young girl who thought that nobody understood her and cared. She had little hope in herself and was full of regret. Although the book is engulfed with darkness, readers will be left with a hopeful ending.

The Red Tree was depressing, hopeful and dark I thought but I still liked the story because:

        It was different to other short stories

        It was more about real life

A Book of Hope

Once again Shaun Tan has written and illustrated yet another fantastic book. The Red Tree was published by Lothian in 2001. This strange but mysterious book is about finding hope in a black and haunting day.

The book is not usually my type but I enjoyed it. Theres not a lot of text, but you could spend hours looking and admiring the wonderful and detailed pictures. Even though I have only read this book once, I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting book. 7 / 10.

A Book of Hope

Plot: A story of a young girl not knowing what the day will bring as she arose from her bed feeling sad and down.  She got up to go to town and found out that no one was listening or taking any notice of her. Hope was there but she just didnt see it.

Opinion: To me this book was pretty confusing, sad and dull.  I wouldnt recommend it for 7 and under as the reader would get confused. I didnt find it that interesting but maybe older people would understand it more.