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jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. My years old didn't quite "get" this book so he still had a puzzled look on his face when we reached the final page.
The book is on the surreal side. It isn't so much a story as it is a set of rules. Each page has a rule and then a (fantastic) picture to accompany it.
The book is on the surreal side. It isn't so much a story as it is a set of rules. Each page has a rule and then a (fantastic) picture to accompany it.
misspippireads's review against another edition
3.0
What a fantastical book about summer rules that one child learned over one summer. Each two page piece of art is attached to one sentence. Very simple. Very dramatic. Very fantastical! Each phrase let's the imagination play. Tan's book opens the world for readers to create their own book of rules they learned over a summer, a school year, or another experience.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
shadylane_00's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
What a fantastical book! I'm always a fan of dubitative modality (pulling in my Nikolajeva and Scott references here, yo), especially when the narrative is totally plausible and yet the images are not as plausible. The rules of summer are accompanied with illustrations depicting how these brothers learned the rules--sometimes by being watched by hawks, sometimes by getting lost in dark junk fields. You'll never know how they learn these rules, and that's what keeps you guessing.
In any case, Tan's incredible pastel artwork is something to behold--the contrasts, the page turns, it's all SO GOOD. This is perfect for an end of summer pre-school book, especially for those who like things a little bit strange.
Review cross-listed here!
In any case, Tan's incredible pastel artwork is something to behold--the contrasts, the page turns, it's all SO GOOD. This is perfect for an end of summer pre-school book, especially for those who like things a little bit strange.
Review cross-listed here!
amibunk's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This book made absolutely no sense to me. And yet...
And yet...
There's something emotional about the stark, industrial nature of the illustrations. And some of the "lessons" learned during summer are poignant and touching.
"Never wait for an apology."
"Always know the way home."
The book make me think, and that is no small feat with a picture book.
(In full disclosure, my daughter and her friend did NOT like this book. I think it's one of those children's books that meant for adults.)
This book made absolutely no sense to me. And yet...
And yet...
There's something emotional about the stark, industrial nature of the illustrations. And some of the "lessons" learned during summer are poignant and touching.
"Never wait for an apology."
"Always know the way home."
The book make me think, and that is no small feat with a picture book.
(In full disclosure, my daughter and her friend did NOT like this book. I think it's one of those children's books that meant for adults.)
pixelski's review against another edition
4.0
Firstly, thanks to Hachette Children's Books Australia for this copy of Rules of Summer <3
Changing it up a little with this review. I pretty much post only YA reviews, but this is one picture book had to review! Shaun Tan is definitely one of my favourite authors and illustrators and his 2013 release, Rules of Summer is a must for everyone.
For both the young and old, and everything in between, Tan's picture books are filled with messages that resonate differently with the different age groups that read it. Rules of Summer is no different. Filled with layered messages, each one sentence page holds varying messages depending on how you perceive it. The wild and wonderful illustrations show a different side to the seemingly innocent life lessons for things children (and adults) may get up to during the summer.
I loved the way the story was presented. Tan's meticulous brush strokes show at times haunting images of what happens when you "leave the back door open overnight" or "eat the last olive at party" (the looks people give you!). These colourful depictions are juxtaposed by the simple statements on the left-hand page with their light pencil scribbles on sepia and grey-toned backgrounds. By doing this, plain versus rich, Tan accentuates his gorgeous pictures and never overdoes the images. Such images also allow the reader to interpret his idea the way they want - oh what is that beautiful utopia where I can access all the things I need if only I could remember my password? The similarity I found with Tan's other books was the increasing bleakness the deeper we delved through the book. I love the idea of needing to overcome the dark before we find the light.
Like his other masterpieces, Tan doesn't disappoint. This is one picture book I will be perusing time and time again for the different messages and hidden things I'll find each time.
Changing it up a little with this review. I pretty much post only YA reviews, but this is one picture book had to review! Shaun Tan is definitely one of my favourite authors and illustrators and his 2013 release, Rules of Summer is a must for everyone.
For both the young and old, and everything in between, Tan's picture books are filled with messages that resonate differently with the different age groups that read it. Rules of Summer is no different. Filled with layered messages, each one sentence page holds varying messages depending on how you perceive it. The wild and wonderful illustrations show a different side to the seemingly innocent life lessons for things children (and adults) may get up to during the summer.
I loved the way the story was presented. Tan's meticulous brush strokes show at times haunting images of what happens when you "leave the back door open overnight" or "eat the last olive at party" (the looks people give you!). These colourful depictions are juxtaposed by the simple statements on the left-hand page with their light pencil scribbles on sepia and grey-toned backgrounds. By doing this, plain versus rich, Tan accentuates his gorgeous pictures and never overdoes the images. Such images also allow the reader to interpret his idea the way they want - oh what is that beautiful utopia where I can access all the things I need if only I could remember my password? The similarity I found with Tan's other books was the increasing bleakness the deeper we delved through the book. I love the idea of needing to overcome the dark before we find the light.
Like his other masterpieces, Tan doesn't disappoint. This is one picture book I will be perusing time and time again for the different messages and hidden things I'll find each time.
pifferdiff's review against another edition
Shaun Tan’s illustrations (as always) are imaginative and magical in this book. My read on the story was much darker than Alex’s - I thought it was interesting that there’s space for different interpretations.