We are very lucky to have a second Shaun Tan in one year – this time a companion piece to the beautiful short-story collection, Tales from Outer Suburbia. This is an extraordinary collection of mythical tales about our relationship with animals, both real and imagined. It’s also a reminder that we, too, are merely animals in a complicated world that is often beyond our comprehension. Whether they’re living just next door, on the office floor above, or up in the sky, these animals reflect our human natures and pretensions.

Each short tale is accompanied by a stunning painting depicting human and animal connecting with one another. Tan has created a deeply moving, elegant and sophisticated collection of stories and paintings that will ask people to reflect on their relationship with animals as well as their own place in the world. This is a profound work of art that rewards repeat reading and is a necessary addition to any bookshelf. It will delight readers aged 10+.

Angela Crocombe is the shop manager at Readings Kids.