Lost & Found: Three by Shaun Tan (Lost and Found Omnibus) Hardcover – Picture Book, March 1, 2011

This book and many others of its kind are elegant and remarkable. Elegant = Simple and Unique. With the mix of illustrations and so-well chosen words it's touching and memorable, ready to be read again and again and still be affecting. My wife's a commerical illustrator and fine ceramic artist and she says it is pure and perfect and universal. I'm a retired writer and I say it's remarkable and I wish I thought of it and the other books in this emerging genre.Go to Tales From Outer Suburbia, also done by Shaun Tan and you'll find links to other artist/writers who will convey what's in store for you. Such books are generally aimed at children, but have been acclaimed by adults. Behind their simplicity and beauty you'll find surprising of depths and universal insights. Whether it's for your kids or your coffee table, it'll be welcomed and raved about by all who encounter it; most everything in these new wave art/prose books will charm and edify. I became an instant fan; I'll bet you will be too.

Tan's The Arrival captivated me utterly. Then I saw "The Lost Thing" animated (and well deserving of its Oscar nomination), and was charmed all over again. Not only was it Tan at his best, it was a story I hadn't heard of. And, as with McKean's MirrorMask, it was a beautiful rendering of something I wouldn't have believed could be animated well. Naturally, I had to hunt it down.The hunt was well worth the effort. All three of the stories here were new to me (other than the animated adaptation of one). "The Red Tree" speaks to the down day that anyone might have, cast in rich and surreal imagery, and with a bright spot right where it's needed most. "The Lost Thing" carries its quirky charm in a way that defies easy explanation, but with a warm sense of reminiscence about chance meetings and transitory friendships. "The Rabbits" takes the most political tone, but still tells a good story.In fact, I have only one problem with this book: getting it back from my wife who was even more taken by it, and convincing her not to give my copy to other people sure to enjoy it.-- wiredweird

There are three short stories in this book from Shaun Tan...but to be honest I don't buy Shaun Tan books for the written words, I buy them because he is an amazing out of this world artist. The written words are secondary and the pictures and images within carry the book and will blow your mind with their power.The first story is a simple one, but oh so powerful. It tells of a young girl, much like any that you might meet in everyday life (perhaps even yourself) struggling with the world around her. She's buffeted and rocked out about by the powers of the world and at one point has to hang onto a raft in a raging sea till she makes it home worn out and at the end...and there before her is a red tree. Growing out of her floor bright and vibrant with the power to change the world.I say the words are secondary because you can look at the images and feel the power of the story without them. Shaun Tan takes illustration to a new level as he grabs hold of you at the first panel and doesn't let go.

The art is jaw dropping and inspiring.

This was a cute, sad graphic novel with three stories of loneliness and hope. It's sort of nice for children but the subject matter is a little heavy and depressing for young minds. I do recommend it for anyone with a wistful consideration of how lonely life can be. It reminds you that even when life is grim, there are spots of beauty.

The stories and pictures are both beautiful. I have three adult children and they each have a copy. We love this book.

This book was really there for me when I was suffering from depression. I highly recommend it! I can't recommend it enough!It has three stories in it. The first one is about depression, the second is about finding a place for a lost thing that seems to not belong anywhere, and the third is about rabbits killing the planet. Each story has a very deep meaning that you can interpret how you'd like.Please buy this book, I promise you, it can help. If you have gone through/are going through dark times, please know you'll be okay, and this book understands.

The images in this book are absolutely breathtaking. Shaun Tan's artistic ability is remarkable. Though not rich in detail, the plots of the three stories are nonetheless incredible and powerful. I loved The Red Tree, but The Rabbits elicits strong emotions in me. John Marsden packs a lot of meaning in the few words he uses.