Cicada - by Shaun Tan (Hardcover)

About the Book

The visionary "New York Times"-bestselling creator of "Tales from Outer Suburbia" tells the story of a hardworking little cicada who is completely unappreciated for what he does. But in the end, he makes a transformation into something ineffably beautiful. Full color.

Book Synopsis

From the visionary Shaun Tan, an inspirational story for older picture book readers and beyond

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Arrival:

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book

* "Filled with both subtlety and grandeur, the book is a unique work that not only fulfills but also expands the potential of its form." -- Booklist, starred review

* "An unashamed paean to the immigrant's spirit, tenacity and guts, perfectly crafted for maximum effect." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Few will remain unaffected by this timeless stunner." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Tales from Outer Suburbia:

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book

* "The thoughtful and engaged reader will take from these stories an experience as deep and profound as with anything he has ever read." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Graphic-novel and text enthusiasts alike will be drawn to this breathtaking combination of words and images." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Tan's work overflows with human warmth and childlike wonder." -- New York Times

Praise for Lost & Found: Three by Shaun Tan:

* "These stories representing the visionary work of a master storyteller, illustrator, and designer who cares deeply about his message deserve a place in almost every collection." -- Booklist, starred review

"Shaun Tan rocks my retinas... The book is gorgeously designed, the stories are evocative and mysterious, and every page of Tan's paintings -- I can't bring myself to call them mere illustrations -- commands long moments of study." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Praise for The Bird King: An Artist's Notebook:

* "The sharing of unfinished work is a generous gesture, and the collection is a treasure trove for any young artist who wants to know more about how ideas are captured on paper." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Unmistakable are his flawless craftsmanship, his organically industrial yet timeless aesthetic, and his lyrically haunting style and tone... A powerful springboard for the imagination." -- Booklist, starred review

Praise for Rules of Summer:

* "As always, the swirl of emotion that Tan's artwork kicks up lingers long after the book is closed." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Sumptuous and sincere -- this title is a winner." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for The Singing Bones:

"[Tan's] starkly lit sculptures... have a look reminiscent of Inuit art; they appear simplified and smoothed by many hands. Their scale is hard to gauge. They seem simultaneously monumental and small enough to tuck in a pocket, like Japanese netsuke." -- New York Times Book Review

* "Although readers can only see Tan's remarkable artistry in two dimensions, the figures exert an almost primal force. Rather than simply represent what happens in these stories, these pieces embody their power." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for The Arrival: A New York Times Best Illustrated Book* "Filled with both subtlety and grandeur, the book is a unique work that not only fulfills but also expands the potential of its form." -- Booklist, starred review* "An unashamed paean to the immigrant's spirit, tenacity and guts, perfectly crafted for maximum effect." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "Few will remain unaffected by this timeless stunner." -- Publishers Weekly, starred reviewPraise for Tales from Outer Suburbia: A New York Times Best Illustrated Book* "The thoughtful and engaged reader will take from these stories an experience as deep and profound as with anything he has ever read." -- Booklist, starred review* "Graphic-novel and text enthusiasts alike will be drawn to this breathtaking combination of words and images." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Tan's work overflows with human warmth and childlike wonder." -- New York TimesPraise for Lost & Found: Three by Shaun Tan: * "These stories representing the visionary work of a master storyteller, illustrator, and designer who cares deeply about his message deserve a place in almost every collection." -- Booklist, starred review"Shaun Tan rocks my retinas... The book is gorgeously designed, the stories are evocative and mysterious, and every page of Tan's paintings -- I can't bring myself to call them mere illustrations -- commands long moments of study." -- Cleveland Plain DealerPraise for The Bird King: An Artist's Notebook: * "The sharing of unfinished work is a generous gesture, and the collection is a treasure trove for any young artist who wants to know more about how ideas are captured on paper." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review* "Unmistakable are his flawless craftsmanship, his organically industrial yet timeless aesthetic, and his lyrically haunting style and tone... A powerful springboard for the imagination." -- Booklist, starred reviewPraise for Rules of Summer: * "As always, the swirl of emotion that Tan's artwork kicks up lingers long after the book is closed." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review* "Sumptuous and sincere -- this title is a winner." -- School Library Journal, starred reviewPraise for The Singing Bones: "[Tan's] starkly lit sculptures... have a look reminiscent of Inuit art; they appear simplified and smoothed by many hands. Their scale is hard to gauge. They seem simultaneously monumental and small enough to tuck in a pocket, like Japanese netsuke." -- New York Times Book Review* "Although readers can only see Tan's remarkable artistry in two dimensions, the figures exert an almost primal force. Rather than simply represent what happens in these stories, these pieces embody their power." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Shaun Tan is the New York Times bestselling author of The Arrival, Tales from Outer Suburbia, Tales from the Inner City, Rules of Summer, and The Singing Bones. He received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2011 and won an Academy Award for the adaptation of his picture book The Lost Thing (from Lost & Found: Three by Shaun Tan). Shaun lives in Melbourne, Australia.