In a heartbreaking parting, a man gives his wife and daughter a last kiss and boards a steamship to cross the ocean. He's embarking on the most painful yet important journey of his life—he's leaving home to build a better future for his family.

Shaun Tan evokes universal aspects of an immigrant's experience through a singular work of the imagination. He does so using brilliantly clear and mesmerizing images. Because the main character can't communicate in words, the book forgoes them too. But while the reader experiences the main character's isolation, he also shares his ultimate joy.

Links to the Western Australian Curriculum:

English: Literature Strand: Responding to literature, Literature and context, Examining literature and Creating literature.  Language Strand: Text structure and organisation and Expressing and developing ideas

The Arts: Visual arts

General Capabilities: Literacy and Critical and Creative Thinking

Please note this picture book is one of our Centre Classics, delivered to students using PowerPoint, the book, and process materials, not the original exhibition.

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