The Red Tree Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Red Tree
Book Review: Entering the darkness with hope
Summary: 1 Stars
I have found this an excellent book for myself on 'darker days'and to use with adults who may need some help to access painful or dark feelings, depression etc.
The illustrations are particularly open-ended, offering imagery and symbol as a 'way in'. The text never 'gets in the way' and its sparseness is a gift...the story is within.
Book Review: Lyrical and Powerful
Summary: 5 Stars
What a tremendous book ... although it's right to expect something truly special from Australia's best picture book illustrator.The text of the book is deceptively simple, and perfectly economical. Its true power is revealled by the images, which are haunting and unforgettable. Although feelings of depression and loneliness strike us all, Tan has found a note-perfect way to depict complex and dark emotions. I've heard (and used) many analogies for the darkness that accompanies depression, but when you see Tan's images, everything else will fall short.
So with such themes of darkness, does the book soar? Definitely! The conclusion is unaffected and uplifting, reminiscent of the Australian writer and illustrator Michael Leunig.
I cannot, in all honesty, think of any life, at any age, that would not be enriched by this simple, lyrical and moving book. Highly recommended.
Book Review: Made my day
Summary: 5 Stars
I just got this book today and have gone through it at least 10 times. (Yes, I know children's books are short, but I DO have a short attention span!) The pictures are incredible, and the simple "story" (short captions for the pictures) is quite moving. I'm planning to give it to all my friends for the holidays this year... and it's only May!Book Review: Nothing special about the storyline but the images are great
Summary: 3 Stars
The book The Red Tree by Shaun Tan, published by Lotian Books, is a fictional picture book that explores the many themes of searching, feeling lost, depression and hope. The Red Tree sees the journey of the main character's search for hope in a word that is not always a friendly place.
The story is told through the amazing illustrations that follow the character's search for hope throughout the book. The use of different art techniques and the additional details in the book help readers empathize with the character's feelings of confusion, being lost and feeling overwhelmed in her search for the red tree, as the title tells readers.
The book The Red Tree contains extremely detailed illustrations it is a memorable and enlightening story. The story makes readers feel that nothing will ever turn out right for the character until quite a sudden turn in the story. The author's exploration of depression could be quite relative to many readers with the atmosphere created by the colors, textures and the symbolic meaning of the illustrations.
However, the author Tan does not explore all factors of depression. He does not include the affects of depression on outsiders, that is; people other than the sufferer themselves. Also, I feel that the author's exploration of the theme is rather clichéd. It did not open up new understanding of depression to me nor did I feel differently about depression being a short sufferer of it myself. Even though I feel the themes are not very creative, at the same time, as mentioned before, I can relate extremely to the character, with great assistance from Shaun Tan's amazingly detailed illustrations and use of many different art techniques to create such a profound effect.
In conclusion, I think that the story itself is not anything special but the images; with close analysis will make readers truly appreciate this book. I recommend this book to anyone who has an appreciation for art and the meanings of the images.
Book Review: Quality book - from the message to the paper...
Summary: 5 Stars
...and everything in between! I write and publish picture books, so I look at the quality of the book from every angle. Not only is it a touching message, but the simple text along with the complex and piercing illustrations takes your breath away. I have a rapport with the book buyer at my local independent store and when I walked in, she just handed me "The Red Tree" and said, "You have to read this." She was right. I've read it many times and each of the many people I've shown it to has been awed. I wouldn't just give this book to any ol' kid, but many sensitive children would treasure this book forever...and it would make a particularly nice gift for an adult, too!