The Eyes and the Impossible

(Newbery Medal Winner)

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

An enthralling novel for all ages by award-winning author Dave Eggers, told from the perspective of one uniquely endearing dog.

“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 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.

This story about friendship, beauty, and liberation (and running very, very fast) will make listeners of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages…. There is a deeper story here, too, about being yourself and finding freedom." —New York Times

“[Johannes is] one of the most appealing heroes in recent children’s literature... an early standout for 2023 and, as it happens, a lot of fun to read aloud.” —The Wall Street Journal

“This outstanding adventure story weaves complex thoughts about loyalty, friendship, and purpose into an epic escape plot that's pure bliss to read.” —Common Sense Media

“This book is begging to be read aloud to oneself and to others. You’ll want to use your most special bookmark and find an honored place to keep this gem.” —The Denver Post

★ “Utterly delightful…. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure.” —Booklist, starred review

★ "One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that ‘there is so, so much to see.’” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Eggers crafts a marvelous, fully fleshed protagonist in Johannes....whose compassionate narration delivers a rousing tale of community, joyful self-reliance, and the pleasures of running very, very fast.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Animal lovers will be enthralled, and even for readers who mostly stick with humans, this is a standout example of the power of chosen family rather than biological ones." —The Bulletin, starred review

★ “The Eyes and the Impossible is compelling and heartfelt, destined to be read again and again.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

★ “Almost proselike, the voices and personalities of Johannes and his comrades are endearing; their unique story will enchant readers and encourage them to focus on what is most important in life.” —School Library Journal, starred review

LOVE IT!

Completely original, all types of animals living life to the beat of their own drum. Would love to see more like this!

Pearls of Wisdom that Make You Laugh Out Loud

This book brims with hilarity, wisdom, and kindness, all enveloped in the wild adventures of an improbable hero! I can't help but wonder if Dave envisioned Ethan Hawke narrating this tale as he penned it. It's simply perfect!

Exciting!

Amazing, one of a kind story, read with gusto by Ethan Hawke. I hated to see (or hear) it end.

Wonderful, unique story

The narrator (Ethan Hawke!) is incredible and made the story come alive. I loved the characters’ personalities and perspectives.

one of the best performances ever

the story and writing were marvelous, the characters enthralling and so do else, and Ethan Hawke's performance made me laugh constantly.

as I was listening to it the first time I was already planning to listen again!