A Moreton Bay Fig tree, planted as a memorial to Australian soldiers killed in World War I, is slated to be cut down by the local council. A young boy tells the moving story of the tree, as related by his great grandfather, grandfather, and father, each of whom has participated in wars over the years. Interweaving themes of war, memory, and conservation, this book blends a sensitive text with brilliantly original collage art by Shaun Tan to bring an important lesson to young readers.
Rich Layers in History and Collage An inspiration for art exploration, Shaun Tan creates wonderful montages and collages that carry a message to enrich and extend the text. This is a fine book from Australia, honouring the soldiers who fell and the memorials that were built for them, illustrating the threads of oral history that are passed through a family, and questioning "progress" and modern convenience in the town planning processes. Excellent material as social Studies and the Language Arts overlap and complement each other.
Buy it for the story, or for the pictures A very short picture book, but one with an emotional thread tapped by both the author and illustrator. Suitable for adults as well as children. Its only fault is that it is perhaps too short.
A statue to commemorate one war is uprooted by a tree planted to commemorate another. When the tree is cut down by the council, it deeply affects a family whose own roots lay in both conflicts.
Shaun Tan's illustrations are amazing and in comparisson to 'The Rabbits' show an incredible diversity in his work. Like The Rabbits, the illustrations in this book are powerful and emotional, full of texture and detail. If you are Australian or have been there, you will recognise the shapes, colours and sense of light. If you aren't from those parts, you will be taken on a ourney of even richer discovery.
Add it to a collection of Shaun Tan illustrated works and your appreciation will be even richer.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Not Available Comics
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
