This is one of those rare books that transcends its format. Shaun Tan has created something genuinely special: a wordless graphic novel that captures the disorientation, hope, and resilience of immigration through surreal, sepia-toned imagery that feels like a fever dream in the best way.

It's not an easy read in the sense that there's no text to guide you—you have to sit with the images, notice details, infer meaning. Some kids will find that liberating (no reading pressure!), others will find it frustrating (wait, what's happening?). But for families willing to slow down and look closely, this is a book that builds empathy and visual literacy in equal measure.

The fantastical elements—bizarre pets, impossible architecture, indecipherable food—make the immigrant experience feel both specific and universal. You don't need to have moved countries to understand what it's like to feel lost in a strange place.

This is a book that wins awards for a reason. It's not just good for kids—it's good, period. If your child is ready for something contemplative, beautiful, and a little challenging, this is a must-read.