HOMETOWN, by Shaun Tan, Levine Querido, Sept. 15, 2026, Hardcover, $24.99 (ages 10 and up)
A girl discovers she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be in Hometown, a middle-grade picture book by Shaun Tan.
If a stranger arrived and told you that the world you knew-your community, your family, and your hometown-wasn’t really where you belonged, would you follow them and leave it all behind?
Imagine living in a perfect world. You have a loving family, a beautiful home, awesome friends and about three hundred loyal pets. Everything is just as it should be. Until one day, when a stranger arrives. A stranger who looks just like you. A stranger with a very disturbing message . . . —Synopsis provided by Levine Querido
Shaun Tan is unlike any other creator. His imagination. Hs storytelling. His attention to detail. You always get more than expected.
At 136 pages, Hometown is not your typical picture book. It’s an insightful, thought-provoking look at belonging and the things that help shape us into who we currently are and who we will become.
Tan’s story follows a girl who loves her hometown. She loves her family and friends, her adventures, and daily life. She’s different than everyone else, though, and she sometimes wonders if there could be something more for someone like her. She’s curious and thoughtful and cares deeply for those around her.
When a stranger arrives, it’s exciting. And discovering someone like her is amazing. He has a lot to offer, but she wonders if it’s enough.
Tan’s watercolor, colored pencil and ink pens on paper illustrations are phenomenal. Any one of them could stand on its own as piece of art or story. Tan’s use of color and light and dynamic composition are excellent. Tans text provides further clarity, but it’s the artwork that truly shines.
Hometown is a stunning book that’s worth every penny of it $24.99 list price.
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