“Years ago we had a foreign exchange student come to live with us. We found it very difficult to pronounce his name correctly, but he didn’t mind. He told us to just call him ‘Eric’.”

As charming as he is curious, by the end of his stay this intriguing house guest will capture your heart. This story is from Shaun Tan’s award-winning collection Tales from Outer Suburbia.

“stunningly original” Anthony Browne, Children’s Laureate

"The pictures emphasise the difference in culture and experience between the host and his quirky and delightful visitor. This is a lovely little book." Marilyn Brocklehurst, The Bookseller

"Perfectly paced with the narrative moving effortlessly from words to pictures, this is a rare and beautifully realised story with strong crossover appeal." Lindsay Stainer, Blackwells

Shaun Tan is the winner of the 2011 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for children's literature.

Do you remember the water buffalo at the end of our street, or the deep-sea diver we found near the underpass? In this stunning collection of short stories, renowned Australian illustrator Shaun Tan, the award-winning creator of The Arrival, reveals the quiet mysteries of everyday life.

Winner of the 2008 Aurealis Award for Best Illustrated/Graphic Novel. Winner of the Children’s Book Council of Australia's Best Book for Older Readers 2009 and a Scholastic Best Book 2009. Highly commended in the 12-16 group, UKLA Awards 2010.

“… an awe-inspiring juxtaposition of words and pictures.”
Lindsey Stainer, General Department Manager, Blackwell’s

“Ideas and imagery both beautiful and disturbing will linger.”
Publisher’s Weekly

"Dip into this anywhere and you will come up with a gem.  This is a truly unique book." Special Commendation from the UKLA Children’s Book Awards

"This is a book to treasure, with more to discover on each re-reading." Book Trust Best Book Guide 2010