"The Lost Thing" is a picture book written and illustrated by Shaun Tan. It tells the story of a young boy who discovers a strange, large creature that seems out of place in his industrial surroundings. The boy feels a sense of responsibility for the creature and decides to help it find where it belongs. As the boy searches for a home for the creature, he encounters various characters and explores themes of belonging and the importance of noticing the overlooked. The story highlights the beauty of imagination and the value of kindness in a world that often ignores the unusual.