Picture bookswhich portray the ‘odd one out’
The following are a few examples of the many picture books which look at the way people or objects interact, connect or seek to belong.
Title / Aspects of 'odd one out'The red tree by Shaun Tan
This is a story without any particular narrative. A nameless young girl stands helplessly in every frame. After many dark moments, she finds the hope at the end of her journey in the form of the red tree. / The theme is identity and belonging. The small figures in a vast confronting landscape are lost, lonely and alienated. In the search for a sense of comfort and meaning, the important things can be overlooked.
The lost thing by Shaun Tan
This is a humorous story about a boy, himself rather unusual, who finds a strange creature. He guesses it is lost and takes it around to various locations as if it were a lost puppy. However, people are indifferent or do not notice it. He finally leaves it amongst other strange objects in a mad, strange universe, peopled by happy freaks. / This book provides some clues as to what the world is really like for someone (or something) that does not seem to fit in. The environment is grey, cheerless and alien. How do you belong when you seem to have no relationships and no real use? How can you live an independent existence in an alien world?
The arrivalby Shaun Tan
This graphic novel is about a man who leaves his wife and his impoverished village to seek a better life. This is a wordless story, told in silent images which the reader interprets. / The strange land of the immigrant is equally unfamiliar to the reader. Birds and trees are strange. The new arrival finds a strange creature living in a basket in his room. People dress and act strangely and odd creatures emerge from pots and bowls. The illustrations represent what it must be like for many immigrants. This is a chance to walk in someone else's shoes for a while.
Way home by Libby Hathorn
It's night in the city and a boy, Shane, finds a cat which is angry and frightened. Placing the cat in his jacket, Shane sets out for home. He tries out different names and decides on'Mycat'. They do get 'home'. The boy has obviously lived for some time in a tiny shack or cubby hole. It contains some symbolic, precious objects. / The boy seems very independent as he negotiates the back alleys of a hostile city. He is very protective of the cat. They are similar creatures.
The way home isn't easy; there are dangers everywhere for the cat and for Shane, but the boy is well acquainted with the night and the city. He runs from some dangers and faces others, all the time reassuring the cat that they are going home.
This could be compared with Woolvs in the sitee. The hostile environment and the resilience of the boys are reflected in the visual text.
Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak
Max gets dressed up in his wolf suit and refuses to each his supper. His mother calls him a 'wild thing' and sends him to his room. His imagination runs riot. / Once again, the wolf is associated with something wild. Max shows his independence and love of adventure as well as his stubborn nature when he conjures up a forest in his room and sets off to meet really wild creatures. He defiantly stands out from the crowd, enjoying the freedom to fantasise and lead.
Independence: Sample picture books