From the author of the award-winning picture book The Arrival comes a new story sure to be another hit.

Cicada is the story of, well, Cicada, who spends his entire life in a grey workplace as a data entry clerk. Cicada goes above and beyond in his job and yet is not rewarded or recognised for his efforts. He has worked in this workplace for seventeen years, never had one sick day, and always arrives on time. To add insult to injury, Cicada isn’t even allowed to use the same bathrooms as the other staff in his workplace. He must travel twelve blocks to the nearest restroom and every time he does this, his pay is docked!

All of the images are incredibly powerful, but one of the images in this book is significantly more and it depicts a giant human shoe pressing down and crushing Cicada. This brings to mind thoughts of society and this workplace pressing down and crushing this worker who is never thanked for any of his efforts.

This story is perfectly suited for people who themselves are feeling undervalued, overwhelmed, and discriminated against in a workplace which does not appreciate them. It is perfect for today’s modern world where some companies and corporations see their staff as a number on a screen not a human being with feelings, needs, and aspirations of their own. Cicada is not all doom and gloom though, there is a happy ending, one you won’t see coming and one that leaves you questioning what else could be out there for yourself.

Shaun Tan does have an incredible talent for telling stories through images. He is best known for his illustrated books which deal with social, political, and historical subjects through surreal imagery. The Rabbits, The Red Tree, Tales from Outer Suburbia, Rules of Summer, and the wordless novel The Arrival have been critically acclaimed and enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Will you be checking out Cicada? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Cicada tells the story of a hardworking little cicada who is completely unappreciated for what he does. But in the end, just when you think he’s given up, he makes a transformation into something ineffably beautiful. A metaphor for growing up? A bit of inspiration for the unappreciated striver in all of us? Yes, yes, and more.

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