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The Eyes and the Impossible
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The Eyes and the Impossible

Eyes and the Impossible Series

Author: Dave Eggers

Illustrator: Shawn Harris

Book 1 in the Eyes and the Impossible series

Pages: 256

Published: 2023

Age: 9+

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.

​Winner of the Newbery Medal.

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

Recognition:

Newbery Medal (2024), California Book Award Nominee for Juvenile (2023), Audie Award Nominee for Best Fiction Narrator (2024)

Video

About the Eyes and the Impossible Series

Books in series order

  1. 1.The Eyes and the Impossible(2023)
  2. 2.The Eyes, the Fire, & the Avalanche Kingdom(2026)

Reading age: 9+ years

This series should be read in order.

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This series follows the adventures of Johannes, a lightning-fast “free dog” whose job is to be the Eyes in an oceanside city park—watching everything and reporting to three wise bison elders. With help from his sharp (and funny) animal friends, Johannes tries to keep the park’s delicate balance intact—until big questions about freedom, rules, and belonging crash into his world.

The first book in the series was awarded the Newbery Medal and is lushly illustrated by Caldecott honoree Shawn Harris. Johannes' adventures continue in The Eyes, the Fire, & the Avalanche Kingdom, when a tempting invitation pulls the dog far beyond his familiar park.

Teachers are already using the first book for read-alouds and novel studies, making it a strong fit for classrooms and book clubs.