The Red Tree by Shaun Tan

 I almost don’t know where to start with this book.

It was given to me by a very close friend for my 19^th birthday as a second choice. (I had asked for another book that had looked interesting but it had been sold from under her nose). But it did two things for me:

First, it introduced me to the brilliance of Shaun Tan. My heart has never wavered since. When people ask me who my favourite picture book author is, while this is a difficult choice and to use the simile that most authors I’ve heard speaking about the books they’ve written: how do you choose your favourite child?... But after the struggle, Shaun Tan wins. He’s won from that first moment for another reason too.

Second, this gift opened my eyes to everything that picture books had to offer and I honestly think that it was pivotal in my current obsession with children’s books. So I’m sorry ‘Thoughts of Nanushka’ it was good that you were bought by someone else, and no Leah, I don’t mind that you sent me this instead. (Yes the slip of paper is still in the front).

So, what make’s The Red Tree particularly brilliant? The fact that there is something in here for everyone, and it’s open for interpretation in a way that is so profoundly moving that, as a young adult, it became my go-to book whenever I was in need of a pick-me-up for whatever reason.

In a nutshell: Sometimes you have bad days, but then that one thing that makes it all worthwhile can surprise you with how beautifully amazing it is.

Yes, I’ve just done this book a grave injustice by summarising it so severely, but I felt it was necessary to continue singing it’s praises without getting too caught up with what happens in the book. Basically, if you haven’t read this book, you should. Regardless of age. There is something there for everyone. A cornerstone for every bookshelf.