The Corner of My Eye
Age 5+
Picture Storybooks
A book about a special relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter who tries to see life through his eyes
When you are very, very young or very, very old, you can see things out of the corner of your eye. In between, all you can see is all you can see. Unless you are very, very lucky. Then the corner of your eye stays awake forever.
The story of an ageing man who has lost something. But what and where? His granddaughter, Sally, helps him find it. Subtle and touching, this is an emotional response to people trying their best to live in an imperfect world.
Creators
Colin Thompson was born in the UK and brought up in the London suburb of Ealing. Part of the sixties art scene, he knew John Lennon and the other Beatles. He came to Australia at the behest of a school full of children who saved up to bring their hero to meet them. Known for his iconic picture books, middle grade series such as THE FLOODS and THE DRAGONS, short story collections, jigsaw puzzles, needlepoint kits, Gelaskins for phones, tablets and laptops, Colin lives in Bellingen northern NSW with his wife, dogs and chickens.
Reviews
The narrative leaves the reader feeling a little off-kilter, reminiscent perhaps of the experience of early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. While younger children may miss the themes and import of this book. it is a visual feast that leaves a lasting impression.
CBCA: Reading Time
The illustrations are varied, vivid and amazing. The full-page pictures of the various rooms provide hours of fun finding all the funny little things hidden in them. You can spend days looking and discussing the things in Thompson’s illustrations and this is no exception. Not a book for young children, this will enchant and enthrall older children…A wonderful addition to the Colin Thompson collection. Highly Recommended.
ReadPlus
Colin Thompson has written this story so subtly and emotionally. I’ve turned the pages many times to look at the incredibly sensitive, detailed and sometimes fun illustrations. Five stars is not enough for the book. It is a work of art.
Good Reading
For collectors of extraordinary picture books, this is for you. Lovers of books that move you to tears and touch the heart, and those that want to give a gift that will be treasured, this is a priceless gem for every collection.
Kids' Book Review
a carnivalesque and surrealist trip through consciousness and what is hidden, what slips by when we don’t pay attention… much greater than a ‘spot-it book’; it contains more pathos, strange beauty and kaleidoscopic gaudiness.
Magpies
