The first double page has a great deal of meaning. First of all in the distance there is the arrival of the rabbits and all around are birds fleeing towards the sky in desperation to get away from what is to come. Shaun Tan has used a great variety of colours to represent the feeling and meaning of that time, for example the bright blue open sky representing freedom and peace, also the long stretch of yellow earth meaning strength and connection towards the land.The ochre (rusty) colour may be representing the Aboriginal cave art found throughout Australia. Also to be noted is the monument at the front of the cave appears as though it is looking out for its people, it maybe representing itself as an ancestor or a spirit looking out across the land. The distinct change in colour from blue to black ,resembles the barrier between the rabbits and the aboriginals.
