The Eyes and the Impossible
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| Author | Dave Eggers |
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| Illustrator | Shawn Harris |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | McSweeney’s, Knopf |
Publication date | May 9, 2023 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 256 |
| Awards | Newbery Medal (2024) |
| ISBN | 978-1-5247-6420-3 |
The Eyes and the Impossible is a 2023 all-ages book written by Dave Eggers with illustrations by Shawn Harris. It tells the story of Johannes, a dog appointed by three elderly bison to be the "eyes" of the park in which they live. The book was praised by critics and was the recipient of the 2024 Newbery Medal.[1]
Johannes is a free dog, born in a large park near an ocean. He spends his days running through the park until he is called by the three bison, Freya, Meredith and Samuel. They task him to become their eyes, reporting every day what he has seen in the park, especially if it can disturb the 'Equilibrium.' Johannes is helped by his assistant Eyes: Yolanda, the pelican; Sonja, the squirrel; Bertrand, the seagull; and Angus, the raccoon.
One day, the Eyes report humans are erecting a new building across from the museum where the white alligator lives. In front, the animals notice mysterious rectangles with fantastical images. Johannes, hypnotized, lets himself be captured by a group of Troubled Travelers, leading his assistants to stage a rescue.
