The Red tree
First edition cover
AuthorShaun Tan
IllustratorShaun Tan
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish
GenrePicture book
PublisherLothian Books
Publication date
2001
Media typePicture book
Pages24
ISBN9780734401724
OCLC155754630
A823.3
Websitehttp://www.shauntan.net/books/red-tree.html

The Red Tree (2001), written and illustrated by Shaun Tan, is a picture book that presents a fragmented journey through a dark world. The text is sparse and the illustrations are dark and surreal.

The story is based on images inspired by the experience of depression. The main character is a lonely red-headed girl who goes about her day feeling alienated, despondent, and lonely. The illustrations depict her in various abstract situations that metaphorically depict her feelings. Almost unnoticed in each picture is a small red leaf (symbolising hope). At the end, the little girl stands smiling at a beautiful red-leafed tree growing in her bedroom. This little tree that has now beautifully blossomed in the center of her room is symbolized as her reward for the hardships she has been through in her life.

This book is one of many picture books by Tan, who also addresses issues such as immigration and cultural differences.

Awards

References

  • "The Red Tree", Publishers Weekly, p. 259, Jan 27, 2003.
  • "The Red Tree", Kirkus Reviews, p. 148, Jan 15, 2003.
  • "The Red Tree", Booklist, p. 1589, May 1, 2003.
  • The Red Tree at WorldCat


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