It is hard to know exactly where adult good intentions and children’s reading interests actually match.  There are plenty of beautifully produced picture books with earnest and “proper” messages growing very dusty on shelves and plenty of crazy, untidy and downright subversive books being read till they fall apart.

The Tin Forest tries to find that magic intersection between the adult and the child’s worlds.  It has a very clear and serious message about environmental damage and repair, it has a poetic and haunting air of sadness and hope, and it is beautifully produced.

But, does it actually work?  Well, yes, but largely on the strength of some stunning artwork by Wayne Anderson.  The power of a picture to tell a story is almost lost in adult literature, but children know it and love to explore it. 

The story of The Tin Forest is that of an old man who lives on a waste dump and tries to build a forest from the scrap metal that covers his world.  Anderson builds this simple tale with cinematic effects.  There are close-ups, mid-range and long-shots.  There are gradual fades from muted greys into colour.  There are unusual angles and background fades.  And there are many, many intricate details hidden away for the reader to discover.

It is a marvellous creation.  The message might be adult and serious, but the visual power of the book is a treasure that children know well.

Review by David Beagley

© 2003 David Beagley