The Eyes and The Impossible

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 that share the park and ensuring 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. 

The park, nestled by the sea, is a vast, lush sanctuary that is “green and windblown.” The park provides a protected sense of rugged mystery that draws the reader into this story about animals and their relationships. But it’s so much more. This story follows the comical, emotional, and philosophical observations and dilemmas that come when alliances are formed and tested between friends and communities. The day-to-day experiences of the protagonist, Johannes, reach a tipping point when he begins crafting an “impossible” plan that could change the course of his fate and that of those around him. Meanwhile, a heroic act is misunderstood, and new activity in the park places Johannes in danger, threatening both his life and the delicate ecosystem that protects the park’s inhabitants.  

As the narrator, Johannes invites the reader into his world where they meet a collection of memorable characters—his closest friends. The animals are humorous and share emotionally rich, interpersonal bonds that deepen the story. Time is comically exaggerated, much to the reader’s delight. From the start, and woven throughout the narrative, the theme of nature serves to guide, comfort, and amuse Johannes as he navigates the ups and downs of survival. Known for his speed and for running the perimeter of the park, Johannes is proud to be “unkempt and free.” 

Interspersed spiritual themes convey a reverence for nature. The animals express an appreciation for harmony and beauty in the natural world. Johannes perceives God as the sun—he delights in its warmth but also seems to understand it on a biological level, as a vital force behind all life and existence. “God is the sun. Clouds are her messengers. Rain is only rain.” This phrase becomes Johannes’s mantra, and its meaning is open to interpretation, allowing readers to draw their own connections. 

A sequence of exciting and revealing events propels Johannes to uncover his origin story. As plans for the “impossible task” unfold, the reader is drawn into a journey filled with lessons of love, loss, and friendship, resulting in an intelligent and heartwarming read. The story accelerates as Johannes attempts to carry out his plan, sweeping the reader up in a cascade of events that lead to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. 

Eggers taps into deep emotions, the kind that make readers connect with a character and root for them. Themes like success, fear, and happiness are woven into the story in a way that feels universally relatable. In addition, the story features illustrations by Shawn Harris every 30 pages, in the style of classical landscapes from old-world painters. With surprising depth for adults and plenty of charm for kids, The Eyes & The Impossible makes a perfect addition to a child’s reading list. Johannes takes great pride in his friendships and responsibilities: “I have been entrusted with seeing and reporting.” Much like our own lives, his mission is shaped by the relationships he forms, and ultimately, his love for others. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language 

• In one scene, park rangers yell, “Oh my God” in response to raccoons causing chaos.  

Supernatural  

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• The animals show reverence for nature. Johannes perceives God as the sun—he delights in its warmth but also seems to understand it on a biological level, as a vital force behind all life and existence. 
• One storyline addresses the loss of purpose and, ultimately, death by depicting a ritual called “coda.” When injured or aged, seagulls take flight and then drop into the sea, signaling the end of life.