Eric

A beautifully surreal and gently humorous picture book about cultural differences, empathy and the power of perspective, from internationally acclaimed author-illustrator Shaun Tan.

Eric is a foreign exchange student who comes to live with a typical suburban family. Although everyone is delighted with the arrangement, cultural misunderstandings ensue, beginning with Eric's insistence on sleeping in a pantry cupboard rather than a specially prepared guest room. The family takes Eric on a number of excursions, but they're never sure if he's having a good time, as he just doesn't say very much. He's mostly interested in small things he discovers on the ground. When Eric leaves the family suddenly, they're unsure if they've done something wrong. But Eric leaves them a surprise gift that they'll never forget.

SHAUN TAN is an artist and author living in Melbourne, Australia. He has written and illustrated numerous acclaimed books that have enjoyed tremendous crossover appeal, including The Arrival, Tales from Outer Suburbia, Tales from the Inner City, The Red Tree and The Singing Bones, as well as picture books for children including The Rules of Summer. Shaun has worked as a theatre designer, a concept artist for Pixar and has directed a short film, The Lost Thing, which won an Academy Award. He has won many awards for both individual works and his body of work, including a World Fantasy Award for Best Artist in 2001, a Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, both in 2011. He has also been nominated for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in the UK.