Lost Thing

Description

The Lost Thing is a humorous story about a boy who discovers a bizarre-looking creature whilst out collecting bottle-tops at the beach. Having guessed that it is lost, he tries to find out who owns it or where it belongs, but the problem is met with indifference by everyone else, who barely notice it's presence. Each is unhelpful in their own way; strangers, friends, parents all unwilling to entertain this uninvited interruption to day-to-day life.

In spite of his better judgement, the boy feels sorry for this hapless creature, and attempts to find out where it belongs.

Shaun Tan creates intricate collages filled with whimsical images, bright colors, and meaningful prose. He invites his readers to look at the world in a different way.

Promotion info

Based on the Oscar award-winning short film, this book asks important questions: What does it mean to see things differently? What is important to notice?

Reviews

This book is a quest for the "Lost Thing" to find a place where it belongs. But perhaps even more, it is also a quest for meaning on the part of the reader. guardian.co.uk A warm, funny read for kids, and an unexpectedly moving one for adults. Cambridge First