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Lost Thing

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( 5,901 ratings, 466 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
Lost Thing by Shaun Tan is a whimsical story about a boy who discovers an odd, neglected creature on the beach. The boy goes on a journey to help the creature find where it belongs. It's a visually rich tale about seeing the overlooked and understanding the concept of belonging in a peculiar yet endearing world.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy beautifully illustrated children's tales that delve into themes of curiosity, belonging, and the magic of finding extraordinary things in ordinary circumstances. The story combines visual wonder with philosophical depth, creating a whimsical yet thought-provoking read for both children and adults.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

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?

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?

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

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 its 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 colours, and meaningful prose. He invites his readers to look at the world in a different way.

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?

Lost Thing by Shaun Tan is described as a heartfelt story about helping a peculiar creature find its rightful place in the world. While it offers an engaging adventure for children, it also presents a deeper exploration of belonging and meaning for adult readers, making it both a warm and unexpectedly moving read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780734411389

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 April 2010

Country: Australia

Imprint: Lothian Children's Books

Illustration: 4-colour

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 5.0mm

Width: 236.0mm

Height: 310.0mm

Weight: 262g

Pages: 32

About the Author

Shaun Tan is the author and illustrator of The Lost Thing, The Red Tree and The Arrival, all of which have won numerous international awards. The Lost Thing animation recently won an Oscar for the best animated short film. The Arrival won Shaun the Bologna Ragazzi Prize and Picture Book of the Year from CBCA 2007 amongst others. Shaun's books have been widely translated. Previous books Shaun has illustrated include The Rabbits by John Marsden (CBCA Picture Book of the Year) and with Gary Crew, Memorial (A CBCA Honour Book) and The Viewer (winner of the Crichton Award for illustration). In 2001 Shaun received the 'World Fantasy Best Artist Award' for his body of work. Shaun is the winner of the 2011 Astrid Lindgren prize, the world's richest children's literature award. The award described Shaun as 'a masterly visually storyteller'.

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