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The Viewer

By Gary Crew
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3.91 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 616 ratings, 72 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Viewer by Gary Crew is a captivating children's story that follows a boy named Tristan who discovers an intriguing box filled with antique photographs. As Tristan examines each picture using a mysterious viewing device, he is pulled into a journey through the past, uncovering secrets and histories with a mesmerising, almost eerie allure. The book intertwines themes of curiosity and time, offering an engaging narrative that encourages young readers to consider the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by stories where curiosity leads to unexpected and mysterious adventures. With its intriguing illustrations and captivating narrative, this children's book offers a unique blend of suspense and the exploration of the unknown, making it a compelling read for both young readers and adults alike.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Young Tristan, a curious boy who rescues all sorts of objects from the rubbish dump, finds an old Viewmaster in its elaborate box, complete with a set of disks. He finds that these represent the ages of humankind, seen as a cyclical structure in which patterns of growth and decay are repeated.

Inside, the box was crammed with treasures, each more intriguing than the last ... his eyes glistened with delight at the promise these wonders held ...

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Young Tristan, a curious boy who rescues all sorts of objects from the rubbish dump, finds an old Viewmaster in its elaborate box, complete with a set of disks. He discovers that these represent the ages of humankind, seen as a cyclical structure in which patterns of growth and decay are repeated.

Tristan becomes more and more drawn into the world of the disks, and eventually disappears. The book is full of metaphors and symbols of seeing and watching, circularity and never-endingness, in a complex, fantastical tale.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Viewer by Gary Crew is acclaimed for its mysterious and captivating narrative, complemented by Shaun Tan's hauntingly beautiful illustrations. Critics often highlight the story's ability to engage children's curiosity and inspire imaginative thinking. It’s noted for its intricate storytelling that encourages readers to ponder deeper themes, while its rich, atmospheric artwork evokes a sense of wonder and exploration.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780734411891

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 October 2011

Country: Australia

Imprint: Lothian Children's Books

Illustration: Full Colour

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Shaun Tan
  • Illustrated by Shaun Tan

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 6.0mm

Width: 258.0mm

Height: 278.0mm

Weight: 247g

Pages: 32

Collections

Children's Books Children's Picture Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Gary Crew

About the Author

Gary Crew (Author) Gary Crew is well known for his rich, multi-layered and intensely suspenseful bestselling novels for young adults. Four times the winner of the CBC Book of the Year Award, as well as other numerous awards, Gary was a high school English teacher for eighteen years, before turning to university lecturing and full-time writing. He lives in Queensland. Shaun Tan (Illustrator) Shaun Tan grew up in Perth and graduated from the University of Western Australia with joint honours in Fine Arts and English Literature. He began drawing and painting images for science fiction and horror stories in small-press magazines as a teenager, and has since become best known for illustrated books that deal with social, political and historical subjects through surreal, dream-like imagery. His works include The Red Tree, The Lost Thing, Rules of Summer and the acclaimed wordless novel The Arrival. All have been widely translated throughout Europe, Asia and South America, and are enjoyed by readers of all ages. Shaun has also worked as a theatre designer and a concept artist for the films Horton Hears a Who and Pixar's WALL-E and in 2011, he shared an Academy Award for his work on the animated short film based on his book, The Lost Thing. In that same year, he won the Dromkeen Medal for services to children's literature and the Astrid Lindgren prize, the world's richest children's literature award. For more information visit shauntan.net

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