The Arrival by Shaun Tan

1. Bibliography:

Tan, Shaun. 2006. The Arrival. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439895294.

2. Plot Summary:

This wordless graphic novel follows the immigration of a man who leaves his family behind to find a new home. While the man meets people along the way and learns their stories of arrival in the new place, the reader is shown glimpses into the strangers’ lives. Once the man is settled he sends for his wife and daughter, who arrive and help others find their way as they too immigrate to this new land.

3. Critical Analysis:

The theme of this graphic novel is universal in the sense that readers have dealt with or listened to loved ones relay stories of immigrating to a new place. The lone character sets off to find a safe place for his family and discovers hope in a new, yet bizarre land full of others who have done so before him. Author and illustrator, Shaun Tan does a remarkable job telling a such a simple, yet emotional tale without the use of text.

The sepia toned illustrations provide insight into the main character as he travels by ship and flying contraption to a new place. The detail in the faces of all characters; human or alien-like, display a range of emotions with such beauty.

4. Awards and/or Review Excerpts:

· From SLJ: “A wide variety of ethnicities is represented in Tan's hyper-realistic style, and the sense of warmth and caring for others, regardless of race, age, or background, is present on nearly every page.”

· From Booklist: “Filled with subtlety and grandeur, the book is a unique work that not only fulfills but also expands the potential of its form.”

5. Connections:

· Use wordless graphic novels such as this or the Owly series by Andy Runton as a writing exercise for students who struggle to come up with ideas.

· Invite grandparents or other family members to come in and discuss stories of immigration in their families.

· Use as an engagement activity to introduce a unit of immigration, showing photos of Ellis Island and discussing the procedures immigrants faced when arriving in the United States.

6. Personal Response:

I was not excited about reading (well not really reading since there are not any words) this book from the very beginning. In fact, I left it until the last possible time I had to finish my assignment. I knew that it didn’t have any words and I was not looking forward to having to figure out the message the author wanted to convey. Boy, was I wrong! The message was straightforward and didn’t need language to make the reader understand the story. The idea that this book can transcend language barriers and reach so many audiences is truly awesome. The illustrations were unique and beautiful . I found myself looking over the pictures again and again, searching for the small details that exist on each page. I can’t wait to share this book with my 4^th grade teachers- I think it will make an excellent writing exercise for our 4^th grade students who are preparing for the TAKS writing test.