A picture is worth a thousand words

Shaun Tan’s Picture book ‘The Arrival’ is an amazing story which is told through wonderful illustrations.

Yesterday with Mr Bird we explored the many images and pieced together the fascinating story.

“The Arrival” tells not an immigrant’s story, but the immigrant’s story. A young father leaves his home to create a better life for his family in a distant land of opportunity. He struggles to find a job, a place to stay and a sense of meaning in his new existence. Along the way he befriends other, more established immigrants. He listens to their stories and benefits from their kindnesses. The young father reunites with his family as “The Arrival” draws to a close, and the distant land finally becomes home.

On Friday we are lucky to able to see a show of ‘The Arrival’ which is on as part of the Wellington festival of the arts.