Eggers, Dave. Eyes and the Impossible, The. Shawn Harris, Illus. Knopf, 05/2023. 256pp.
Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5247-6420-3. GRADES 2–6. OUTSTANDING.
This fast-paced read follows the adventures of Johannes, a free dog and a fast dog, who lives in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park where he is “the Eyes” for the Keepers of the Equilibrium—the three ancient resident bison. As “the Eyes,” he runs from the ocean to the eastern edge of the park every day and reports all that he sees back to the bison. A team made up of a wise seagull, a one-eyed squirrel, a pelican, and a raccoon assist Johannes, and the ducks . . . well, the ducks are no help at all. Every day Johannes has to avoid humans who would capture him and put him on a leash, as well as park employees who are looking for a wild coyote. He is also magically mesmerized by the strange rectangles that are being installed around the newly constructed de Young museum. A short captivity followed by a daring escape leads him to create an impossible plan that will change the equilibrium for all the animals in the park. The voice of Johannes is exhilarating, and the story unfolds with perfect pacing. The illustrations are of classical landscape paintings (all listed in the back matter) with Johannes seamlessly added by artist Shawn Harris.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8 / Oakland Unified School District