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So. I didn't enjoy this book, somehow. It wasn't bad. But it lacked... beauty, perhaps? The theme is so bleak, I think it was meant to be. The ending surprised me, but it brought no joy, only a bitterness that tainted the whole story. It may be that my expectations were too high for this book, that I am unfairly comparing it to Tan's other lovely works. After all, this is written as a children's book. Yet, I'm not sure I'd want my child to read it, nor that I would have liked to read it as a young girl. I wouldn't recommend picking this one up if you're looking for a charming picture book.
The art is what made the book worthwhile to me, especially the last few pages. Profound. If Tan could have used his words to enhance the beauty rather than the bitterness, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.
The art is what made the book worthwhile to me, especially the last few pages. Profound. If Tan could have used his words to enhance the beauty rather than the bitterness, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.
gorgeously illustrated and complex. Also just a bit weird.
Once again, Shaun Tan delivers a heart-gripping short story accompanied by gorgeous artwork. This story of finding your true self at the exhausted end is as grey as it's backdrop until the tiny glimmer appears. The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is how brief the resolution is. I wish we had been able to sit in that moment longer.
This reminds me, in mood/message, of Dan Santat's After the Fall.
This reminds me, in mood/message, of Dan Santat's After the Fall.
Find the Brendan Brumby audiobook version and prepare to be traumatized.
This is a beginning book by Shaun and wow, it is really saying something about working in a cube. The nephew laughed and laughed at the Cicada in a business suit. Still, when both children saw how the cicada was treated, they were sad. Why would people treat him that way.
After 17 years of work for a heartless company, the cicada claimed his freedom and laughed at the people all the way to the forest. It was a sad story and the children loved the ending when the cicada gained its freedom.
The nephew gave this 4 stars because he liked the cicada and wanted better for him. The niece gave this 3 stars because the story made her sad, then happy.
After 17 years of work for a heartless company, the cicada claimed his freedom and laughed at the people all the way to the forest. It was a sad story and the children loved the ending when the cicada gained its freedom.
The nephew gave this 4 stars because he liked the cicada and wanted better for him. The niece gave this 3 stars because the story made her sad, then happy.
Beautiful. So simple and yet such a hugely powerful and sadly accurate comment on society.