Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outstanding animal adventure has deep, complex emotions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In THE EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE, Johannes lives in the park, a free dog running at light speed to serve as the Eyes and report the park's daily happenings to bison Freya, Meredith, and Samuel, who live in an enclosure. The bison keep watch on the Equilibrium as humans build and move around them. When new visitors come to the park, Johannes and his friends and the Assistant Eyes plot the adventure of a lifetime, even if it means changing their home forever.
Is It Any Good?
This outstanding adventure story weaves complex thoughts about loyalty, friendship, and purpose into an epic escape plot that's pure bliss to read. The Eyes and the Impossible immerses readers in the mind of an energetic, contemplative dog who has no sense of time or distance but who speaks with authority about what he sees and is fiercely devoted to his friends. His thoughts about "the rectangles" lead to simple but deep questions, and his quick friendship with the goat Helene shows every aspect of his personality and priorities. The book's vocabulary is sophisticated but easy to follow, and the chatter among the animals pulls readers deep into their world and asks big questions in small ways, inviting readers to answer in their own way and own time, just like Johannes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Johannes feels about his purpose in The Eyes and the Impossible, and how that changes as he learns more about the world. In your own life, what has seemed routine or easy at first but gotten more complex the more you learned about it?
Who in your own life could you plot this kind of adventure with? Why would you choose them?
What other great adventures -- animal or human -- have you read about?
Book Details
- Author: Dave Eggers
- Illustrator: Shawn Harris
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Friendship , Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 9, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 256
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Awards: ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated: June 20, 2024
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