Looking for Atlantis by Colin Thompson

Looking for Atlantis Reviews

• 
  Justine

  This book is a richly imagined story about the power of love and imagination to transcend loss. It is presented with the uniquely superb signature style and artistry that marks all of Thompson's books. Slightly melancholy but always touched with hope, it presents its message in a simple yet layered way that requires some time and thought in order to fully appreciate and embrace.
  
  The book is nothing short of genius.
• 
  Julia Miller

  At its heart, Looking for Atlantis is about a boy's grief over the loss of his grandfather, and the power of imagination. However, this is never made explicit. We are introduced to an unnamed boy of 10 whose grandfather is dying. The man tells him that whatever the boy wants will be in Atlantis, and that he just needs to learn how to find it. The child's quest is presented in lush, gorgeous artwork, a surreal and almost magical reality styled adventure through his home and his own mind. Secrets peep out from every corner. Borders are filled with clues and surprises. Light and shadow, blendings of the common and the fantastical, comedy and tragedy, are all offered up to accompany the simple tale.
  
  Were I to share this with a class, I would try to arrange to show it on a document camera or read it in a small group. I could also see giving it to a child to read through on their own just as a treat because the art is just that engaging.
• 
  Tiuri of the White Shield

  Astounding amount of details! You could look at this for months and never get bored! Surreal, intriguing artwork.
• 
  Greenglasses

  The illustrations are amazing in this book, I love them!!!
• 
  Rebecca Hipps

  Looking for Atlantis demands the reader to step out reality and into the minds and imaginations of a grandfather and his grandson. The intricate and detailed paintings keep the reader looking closely and carefully. While the text is actually quite brief for the majority of the book, the pictures contain a lifetime of memories and stories. I was particularly moved by the double spread painting on the 13th opening, where Thompson contrasts the colorful, life-filled illustrations previously displayed, to the dark and dismal abyss that the main character experiences after the loss of his dear grandfather. I related to this story personally. My great grandfather was also a storyteller and always encouraged me to use my imagination and explore worlds outside of reality. Any reader that has experienced great loss will relate to this incredible story, one that chronicles the hopes and dreams that are savored when we choose to look past reality and cherish memory and imagination.
• 
  Amy

  Before I checked this book out for my niece and nephew, I was positive they wouldn't like it, so I put it aside. But then I thought I should let them make their own judgments, which they could not do if I failed to give them access to this book. So, we read it.
  
  After we read this book my niece decided that she needed to look at the book on her own and really study the pictures in order to form a better opinion about the story. So her verdict is still out.
  
  My nephew, however needed no re-read in order to form an opinion. "I didn't like that at all! It was very annoying," he said. I wouldn't say that I was annoyed by this story, but I certainly didn't care for it. It didn't make any sense to me, and I thought it was boring, so I think the boy and I see eye to eye there. The pictures were interesting, though, and that is the only reason I am giving Looking for Atlantis two stars instead of one. Way too abstract for my nephew and me.
• 
  Molly Mardany

  There are so many different things going on in these pictures that it is hard to grasp where the main focus is. It is almost a collage of pictures. This book is anything but realistic, and it takes a lot of imagination to get into it. There is a page where they leave all reality, through the Grandfathers chest, off into the sea. But it doesn't go off into another world it has some of the pretend world mixed in with reality, which is kind of confusing. If you look hard enough and with a pure heart, you will find paradise.
• 
  Heidi

  Published in 1993 (25yrs old) I feel this book remains timeless and relevant. The artwork is fantastic and while reading the story, time can be spent on each page finding the treasures hidden within.
• 
  T

  Visually riveting. This book is awesome for any age. It has been read and reread for over five years now. Visually addicting for adults, and visually engaging for ages 4 and up. The storyline is gorgeous. Love!
• 
  Kaliah

  Definitely a 5 star! It was such a good book. Just the right length too. I wish this was a series of there were more like it. I want to read it again.
• 
  Douglas Beagley

  Art that works harder than it needs to, a scant few lines of text, a beautiful, simple mystery. I saw myself in this book, a perfectly delivered reminder.
• 
  Randy

  I was floored by the surreal illustrations and their tiny details, but it's presumptuous to say this book is for everyone. The melancholy tone begs for more "plot," and many details elude to literature some readers might not be familiar with, and so not recognize the satire (which counteracts the melancholy tone). For me, six stars for the illustrations, three stars for the story, and round up to five stars for the X-factor: an imagination theme that encourages imagination as a powerful skill to deal with life.
• 
  Lana Clifton

  A young boy learns from his grandfather the secret of imagination; to "shut your eyes and open your heart". His grandfather leaves behind a chest, where the boy finds a door to another world lying on the bottom. This text is rich with compound words. Surrealistic illustrations captivate and engage the mind. Good for students 1st-3rd grade.
• 
  The Brothers

  A young boy's grandfather is old and dying. The grandfather gives him his chest with all the treasures of the years he was a pirate and tries to teach him how to find Atlantis. The grandfather dies and the young boy searches and searches for Atlantis. Eventually he realizes what his grandfather was trying to teach him.
  
  Fabulous illustrations - so much to look at and beautiful!
• 
  Mary

  Absolutely amazing illustrations - My Oliver & I could sit & share this together for hours if we allowed the time. We discover something new everytime. He is currently doing his reading project at school on this book. A true favourite !
• 
  GoldenjoyBazyll

  What can be more wonderful than the power of the imagination.... this book celebrates all that is and all that can be.
• 
  Taylor Hughson

  I've been reading this book for close on 15 years now, and still don't quite understand where atlantis is...
• 
  Wendy

  Best children's book ever!
  
• 
  Denise

  We love love love the illustrations. We have had this book out of the library over and over until we finally bought a copy.
• 
  Pristine Joy

  that was deep
• 
  Carrie Gelson

  Gorgeous. A chance for children to explore surrealism.
• 
  Sean Benson

  A visual masterpiece about greiving and imagination