NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An enthralling middle-grade novel by award-winning author Dave Eggers, told from the perspective of one uniquely endearing dog— featuring beautiful color artwork with illustrations by Caldecott honoree Shawn Harris.
“Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages.” —The New York Times
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.
Andrew G. Kolowich –
I bought this for my 4 and 8 year old granddaughter’s. It may be a stretch for my oldest age wise, so I decided to read it first. Wanted to make sure it would be a positive experience with no surprises.
I began reading it and immediately became enthralled with the story and writing which was superlative . I read non fiction business and history for myself. This became an incredible experience for this “old dog”.
The book is full of great truths about life and friendships. And while it may be just a bit advanced for my eight year old granddaughter, I’m excited this summer to read it to both my granddaughters.
And ,finally, I can’t remember the last time I got teary eyed reading a book but this book did it to me. Not due to an abundance of sadness but simply because it is such a beautiful experience.
The use of the art in the book was unique and helped it become whole.
Buy it, read it, keep it and read it again.
Amanda L. Morris –
Fantastic book for children and adults
Nancy Ludmerer –
I bought this book for myself based on the recommendation of another writer who knows I often write stories with unusual narrators, including non-human ones. The dog Johannes, his friendships, his pride, his love of art and running, his mission, his journey to discover himself — all are so beautifully rendered and moving. Hilarious and heart-breaking, with hope at the end. My grandson is too young (15 months) but the book was perfect for me (71). Highly recommended for all ages of readers. P.S. I cannot wait to read it aloud to my grandson, in a year or two.
Catherine S. –
I really enjoyed this book and purchased it as a gift! It is told from the perspective of the animals of the story, especially the main character narrator. Lots of humor! I am an adult.
Sharon A. Foley –
Dave Eggers has done an excellent job of writing a novel from a dog’s perspective , and it is nothing short of a glorious joy. This is a wonderful , wonder-filled book, and Johannes is a true soul. I would give it to anyone – kid or adult. It is lovely.
solfege –
Dave Eggers ist ein Zauberer, nicht nur im wirklichen Leben, wo er einen wunderbaren Verlag leitet und eine ganze Welle von Eins-zu-Eins-Hausaufgabenbetreuung durch Lyriker und Schriftstellerinnen losgetreten hat, sondern auch literarisch: Lassen Sie sich nicht abschrecken, dass ein Hund die Hauptperson ist! Und auch noch Johannes heißt. Erstens ist er ein Halb-Kojote und zweitens gibt es ja auch noch seine Freunde die Waschbären, die Möven und die Hüter des Gleichgewichts im Park: die drei Bisons Freya, Meredith und Samuel. (Definitiv nicht befreundet ist er mit den Enten). Welch aberwitzig hinreißendes Abenteuer Johannes erlebt, welche neuen Freunde er gewinnt, wie sie alles an den Menschen vorbeimanagen, das ist unübertroffen. Man muss kein Muttersprachler sein, um das Englisch zu verstehen, ich bin nicht besonders gut darin und hab nur zehn Worte nachgeschlagen. Es geht nicht anders: Nach diesem Buch hat man gute Laune, ist getröstet, möchte losgehen und Abenteuer erleben, und zwar hier gleich jetzt, nicht irgendwo anders und irgendwann – man möchte alte Freunde treffen und sich neue Freunde machen.
Jennifer –
We are reading this for a summer book club and all kids seem to be enjoying this book. It’s an easy read and keeps the kids engaged.
Eydie Lou –
I bought this for my 9 year granddaughter who reads well above her grade level. I enjoyed the story very much, especially since Golden Gate Park, where the story takes place (although not named), is very well known to me. It is definitely a story that all ages can enjoy. There are a couple of instances in the book that make me think I may wait a little while to give it to her. The main character experiences a troubling encounter, as does another character. If buying for a young child, read it first to see if it’s appropriate. All kids are different.
Kathie Wagester –
“The Eyes of the Impossible” doesn’t quite hit the mark. Johannes the dog, is a charming character, yet his journey through the narrative feels somewhat lackluster. This book might be an enjoyable, but it’s unlikely to stir the spirit.” with AI help
Catherine S. –
It was hard to get into, but I ended up liking it okay. Not life-changing, or even particularly memorable, but satisfying.
We read it for my book club because it was the ‘23 Newberry medal. We were split about half-and-half on people who liked it and didn’t. Two of the people who liked it loved it. And mine was close to the lowest opinion expressed. But my own lack of enthusiasm was just because it’s a Newberry medal , and I want to expect better.
I’m going to keep the book for my kids to read, but I won’t necessarily recommend it to anyone.