SOMETHING NEW

COMING SOON

SHAUN TAN

RULES OF SUMMER

Rules of Summer (to be published October 2013)
From the Author

This is a large-format picture book about the relationship between two young boys, whose friendship is tested by a many challenging situations. It's a story without any particular narrative, just a list of of mysterious rules such as 'Never step on a snail', 'Never argue with an umpire', 'Never leave the back door open overnight' or 'Never leave a red sock on the clothesline'. As each rule is broken – not always by accident – surprising consequences ensue, and readers are invited to decide for themselves what is really happening, and why.

While at first this might seem a book for children, I'm really interested in the universal themes governing any intimate relationship regardless of age, gender or background, from siblings to best friends, co-workers and partners. The private universe of imagination and conflict that can exist here so often defies explanation and is, I think, best represented as a kind of shared dream.

This project has been developed as a book initially published by Lothian/Hachette, and also an app developed by the media company Wheelbarrow. Each represents a very different reading experience, specific to a digital or printed form.

- SHAUN TAN 2013