Shaun Tan Video Interview

One of the social studies Enduring Understandings is Movement/Migration.  Watch the Scholastic interview as Shaun Tan reflects on the process and inspiration behind his beautifully illustrated story of immigration, The Arrival.

Click here to read a review of Tan's jump from books to film, in the animated short, The Lost Thing.

1. What is The Arrival about?







2. What was the genesis, or inspiration behind this idea?







3. How long did it take to make The Arrival?







4. How did your vision for The Arrival evolve as you were creating it?







5. What inspired the decision to keep all of the people human in an otherwise alien world?







6. How did you decide on the all-sepia color scheme?







7. What are the challenges for the writer of a wordless book?







8. What do the serpents above the city symbolize?







9. Were any drawings inspired by actual Ellis Island photographs?

New York Public Library Digital Gallery

New York Public Library Digital Gallery

10. What is the meaning behind the violent image with the giants?







11. When did you first discover you wanted to be an artist?







12. What did you like to read growing up?







13. How did your parents and teachers encourage your artwork?







14. How did you get your start as a children's book illustrator?







15. What are the steps in the process of creating a picture book?







16. Do you have any advice for kids who want to be artists?