Rules of Summer Hardcover – Picture Book, April 29, 2014

This was an interesting read for my students that captured their attention and held it to the end. The illustrations were beautiful and helped engage the students as well.

This book is haunting and inspiring. I have a three year old and a two year old, and they both find this book fascinating. It opens up new worlds with all of the details to the illustrations. The text to picture ratios are great for keeping a kid engaged. The art work is beautiful.

Love this book. I have begun to collect all of Shaun Tan's books. I noticed in some of the reviews of other Shaun Tan's books that they weren't for children. If you are familiar with Shaun Tan, then you will know that some of his books aren't meant for little children. This book is most likely meant for a child 6 yrs & older. The words are darling and the illustrations are outstanding.

Uno de los mejores libros de Shaun tan

What can I say? Once again, Shaun Tan brings his unique, surreal, slightly spooky, but totally beguiling world to a picture book. Rules of Summer include important rules to survive fantastical adventures, such as "Never leave the back door open overnight" and "Always bring bolt cutters" and "Always Know your Way Home." A perfect gift for a child about to experience a long and eventful summer.

It was as mysterious and intriguing as I could hope for, with painterly illustrations. Not really what I would consider children's literature although the story relies heavily on the pictures. These give a somewhat sinister turn to the 'rules', which in themselves are strange and whimsical.

The story is for older children-- I'd say at least 8 or older, maybe even middle school. It is mysterious and will take some pondering. For art, I would give it 500 stars. But be forewarned: it's a bit creepy and dark, and definitely not for small children. I found it beautiful and rather distressing. Could be a great introduction to bullying in the middle school grades.

I used this book (with minimal text) to introduce/review context clues with my students. They loved the illustrations and the minimal text, which required them to use context clues to make inferences and predictions. I will most definitely rely on this book in the future.