Growing Up & Facts of Life
![Shawn Harris - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B084GCYBZB.jpg)
![Dave Eggers - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001H6UAH4.jpg)
The Eyes and the Impossible
From the award-winning author of The Every and the illustrator behind the beloved picture book Her Right Foot comes an endearing and beautifully illustrated story of a dog who unwittingly becomes a hero to a park full of animals.
Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes-to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park's elders, three ancient Bison. His friends-a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican-work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance.
But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats-an actual boatload of goats-who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes's view of the world.
A story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very, very fast, The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.
Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes-to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park's elders, three ancient Bison. His friends-a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican-work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance.
But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats-an actual boatload of goats-who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes's view of the world.
A story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very, very fast, The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.
Editorial Reviews
"Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel's pages…. There is a deeper story here, too, about being yourself and finding freedom." -New York Times
"[Johannes is] one of the most appealing heroes in recent children's literature... an early standout for 2023 and, as it happens, a lot of fun to read aloud." -The Wall Street Journal
"This outstanding adventure story weaves complex thoughts about loyalty, friendship, and purpose into an epic escape plot that's pure bliss to read." -Common Sense Media
"This book is begging to be read aloud to oneself and to others. You'll want to use your most special bookmark and find an honored place to keep this gem." -The Denver Post
★ "Utterly delightful…. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure." -Booklist, starred review
★ "One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that ‘there is so, so much to see.'" -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Eggers crafts a marvelous, fully fleshed protagonist in Johannes....whose compassionate narration delivers a rousing tale of community, joyful self-reliance, and the pleasures of running very, very fast." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[Johannes is] one of the most appealing heroes in recent children's literature... an early standout for 2023 and, as it happens, a lot of fun to read aloud." -The Wall Street Journal
"This outstanding adventure story weaves complex thoughts about loyalty, friendship, and purpose into an epic escape plot that's pure bliss to read." -Common Sense Media
"This book is begging to be read aloud to oneself and to others. You'll want to use your most special bookmark and find an honored place to keep this gem." -The Denver Post
★ "Utterly delightful…. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure." -Booklist, starred review
★ "One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that ‘there is so, so much to see.'" -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Eggers crafts a marvelous, fully fleshed protagonist in Johannes....whose compassionate narration delivers a rousing tale of community, joyful self-reliance, and the pleasures of running very, very fast." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
Readers Top Reviews
R. Squires
This is a book celebrating freedom and animal-world cooperation. Only Dave Eggers could get into their heads so we’ll — it’s funny and wonderfully written. Highly recommend!
Mikala
What a fun, beautiful and satisfying read. I know we already expect this from DE. The book covers an expanding park from the perspective of the woodland creatures. I find their take on the humans that tromp through the park delightful. As a runner that is usually solo, I can share in many of their same joys and sorrows viewing the park people. Enjoyable and lightly dramatic read.
January
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers Illustrations of Johannes by Shawn Harris 256-page Kindle Ebook Genre: Children's > Middle Grade, Animals, Fantasy Featuring: Dog, Park Forest, Artwork, Animals, Humans, Adventure Rating as a movie: PG My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ My thoughts: 🔖Page 141 of 256 Ch. 23- At first, I considered quitting, as it's written in a literary fiction tone, but now I'm halfway through and only stopping for a nap. The book didn't make me sleepy, although I was disappointed with the pupusas. I don't know if that's a hint of a location or just a coincidence. I originally picked this one up because the cover was nice, and I was unaware Dave Eggers wrote children’s books. I've only read The Circle, so I was very curious. It took a minute to get into it, but it was a good story. I wouldn't force a kid to read it, but there is a lot of value in this book. Recommend to others: Maybe. It is not for everyone, but it is beautifully written yet obnoxious at points.
