Controversial!  Well yes, of course.

The Red Tree is written and illustrated by Shaun Tan, a well-recognised writer and illustrator, who has won awards such as the CBCA, Crichton Award, Aurealis Convenors’ Award and more.  Tan is known best for his truly amazing illustrations.

In this children’s picture book Tan has addressed the issue of depression.  It is addressed through a balanced collection of simple text and intricate illustrations.  This balance, while difficult to obtain, is perfectly captured allowing children the easy task of reading.

The story follows a little girl on her journey through life, dealing with everyday feelings and ultimately understanding how difficult life can become.  Tan deals with this topic extremely well as the illustrations complement the text, assisting the young readers.  Although depression is a touchy subject, one some parents prefer to avoid, I feel it is relevant to children.  Depression is present throughout the world, all peoples' worlds.  It cannot be avoided or hidden.  Therefore, I believe that by tackling such an intricate issue with such grace and simplicity Tan has allowed children some insight, insight that is important.  Children must understand that these issues exist and know that there is support available. 

As a Tan fan I was not surprised by the excellent presentation of this picture book.  Upon reading you will discover that each page reflects how you, as readers, or people you know have felt at some time or another.  I will admit that I related to each and every page.  Imperative, I say, a picture book that relates to the real world.  Well done, Tan!

During my reading of The Red Tree it felt not only familiar, but also interesting and surprising.  I have never encountered any other picture book centring on depression.  My interest was sparked by the topic and discovering how Tan would address such an issue while also linking it to the real world.  All of this, without the book becoming daunting. Would I read it again?  Would I recommend it?  Absolutely!  Each reading can only result in new discoveries found within the illustrations and as previously stated, I encourage all children to be aware of real life issues.

The only area I found lacking was the absence of support networks.  Tan has only painted the picture of depression.  Although leaving out methods for support and treatment may seem an omission, upon reflection I realised as an adult I could and would fill that gap.  I would provide scaffolding for the children and provide supporting information.  The question I found imperative to this moving story…is there hope?  Well funny I should ask that.  If I were to reveal the ending I would ruin any curiosity I may have just developed.  What I suggest is that everyone read it.  If then, after experiencing the high quality of work between these covers, you are still not satisfied something went wrong.  If, however, after reading The Red Tree  you are intrigued, I recommend you move further into the depths of your library or book shop and discover his other works, The Lost Thing, Memorial, Viewer, The Rabbits, and Force of Evil.  All as amazing, if not more so, than The Red Tree

Other books by this author:
Crew, Gary & Tan, Shaun (1999) Memorial. Port Melbourne: Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd.
Crew, Gary & Tan, Shaun (1998) Force of Evil. Port Melbourne: Reed International Books, Limited.
Marsden, John & Tan, Shaun (1998) The Rabbits. Port Melbourne: Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd.
Tan, Shaun (2000) The Lost Thing. Port Melbourne: Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd.
Tan, Shaun (1998) The Viewer. Port Melbourne: Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd.

Review by Georgie Eberbach

This piece was originally submitted as part of the course work in Australian Children's Literature.

© 2004 Georgie Eberbach