This is Shaun Tan's first author-illustrator book in five years, and his most important and moving fable since The Arrival. A story for anyone who has ever felt unappreciated, overlooked or overworked but dreams of magic, from Australia's most acclaimed picture book creator, and first BAME winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal. But one day, something truly extraordinary happens. Tok Tok Tok! Cicada works in an office, dutifully working day after day for unappreciative bosses and being bullied by his co-workers.

Synopsis - A stunning picture book for anyone who has ever felt unappreciated, from Shaun Tan, Academy Award winner and winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal 2020. First edition, first printing - signed by the author/illustrator by way of custom-designed bookplate affixed to the title page. The translation is attributed to Yuzuru Miura.Hachette Children's Books, UK, 2018. While it isn’t explained I suspect it may have been something of an inspiration for Cicada. The quote is a Japanese poem Tan added to the verso of the book. Like most of his books, it is a slightly different experience. But it is still a worthwhile book reading. Is it my favourite book by Shaun Tan? No. I appreciate that the art on end pages are different, reflecting where Cicada starts and where they end the story, as is only right.

White space is used to great to effect, combined with the minimal wording it well and truly conveys Cicada’s feelings about human. It is overwhelmingly greyscale with the exception of Cicada themself who is the bright patch of green (and subsequently red). A story for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, Cicada is a simple tale with a rich subtext from multi-award winner Shaun Tan, creator of Rules of Summer and illustrator of The Rabbits. The art itself (ie the reason one picks up a Shaun Tan book) in its tone and deceptive simplicity. Tok tok tok Cicada works in an office, dutifully tolling day after day, unappreciated by his bosses and bullied by his coworkers.

Think of leaving one job to find happiness in another after a long period of thankless work. The latest from the Australian author Shaun Tan, who won an Academy award for the 2011 film adaptation of his picture book, Cicada (Hachette Childrens, £14.99) is an unusual picture book with an almost entirely grey palette (apart from the green of the insect), and it features a distinct rhythm: 'Cicada work in tall building. I can think of ways that the position Cicada find themself in translates well to the world. It’s simple, kind of sad but kind of optimistic but relateable. Cicada is an odd book for me (it’s Shaun Tan did I really expect anything else?).

Cicada tan shaun