redtree1 redtree2 redtree3 redtree5 redtree7 redtree8I have to preface this post with a disclaimer that I don’t think this book is actually a kids book at all. It’s from my BC (before children) collection and although it’s marketed at children and is obviously a picture book, it is very dark. On the other hand, I don’t think that children need to be shielded from as much as we tend to try and shield them from and books are an excellent way of helping to explain complex concepts to children. Also I think lots of people conveniently forget that the original version of most fairy tales are quite dark and gruesome. I think we’re more open to this in Europe and Australia than the states. It’s quite telling to compare “best kids books” lists from the UK and the US. The American lists are full of saccharine sweet titles like Guess How Much I Love You  and Love You Forever, while the UK lists have a lot more books with darker themes and humour (which kids love by the way).

Anyway I’m getting kind of off topic. So this is The Red Tree by Shaun Tan, an amazingly talented Australian illustrator. I own several books by Shaun Tan but this is my favourite by far. The illustrations are incredible and the story itself is like poetry. If you think it’s a bit on the dark side for kids, I think it would make an amazing present for a friend who is dealing with depression or going through tough times.

Linking up with Fritha at Tigerlilly Quinn