THE ARRIVAL

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Tan, Shaun. 2006. THE ARRIVAL. New York: Levine Books. ISBN 0439895294

PLOT SUMMARY:
Tan’s graphic novel brilliantly tells the story of a man immigrating to a new land. From leaving home to wandering the streets of the foreign land, the panel illustrations strongly express emotion to the reader. Aspects of fantasy such as different creatures and unique buildings assist in emphasizing how bizzare the world feels to the man.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
From the beginning Tan makes the audience feel for the main character through powerful illustrations depicting the man's pain of saying goodbye to the family he adores. The audience immediately understands this a beloved man and naturally cares about his journey.

The plot while infused fantasy is believable at the core. Many people will be able to relate to going off to a foreign land where everything was odd and seemed fantasy like.

Tan’s illustrations convey emotions in a way that words are not capable of. Readers will find the setting mesmerizing. The sepia coloring creates an old photograph feel that adds to the enchantment.

Tan’s ability to combine reality with fantasy is spectacular. His use of fantasy helps convey to the audience how strange life must feel to an immigrant.

AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Tan captures the displacement and awe with which immigrants respond to their new surroundings in this wordless graphic novel.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Recipient of numerous awards and nominations in Australia, The Arrival proves a beautiful, compelling piece of art, in both content and form.”

CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion about immigration. Ask students if they have any stories they would like to share.
* Have students create their own short graphic novels.
*Other great books by Shaun Tan: TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA ISBN 0545055873, FLINCH ISBN 0977562832