Reviews

Cicada by Shaun Tan

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thereadingtrashqueen's review against another edition

5.0

Wow.

For obvious reasons the art creeped me out, but damn it was gorgeous.

This may be a picture book, but I wouldn’t say it’s for the average picture book demographic. Luckily my library agrees and has it placed in the higher MG/lower YA section (we rate books differently. For fellow Dutch readers, it’s in the C section).

Poor Cicada. Good on him for having the last laugh! I laughed at he final words, absolutely brilliant! I just wonder why he stayed for 17 years, living such a miserable life; maybe because he truly had nothing else? Poor bub. And it just shows how awful people really are.

Be free, Cicada, and live your best life!

rhodesee's review against another edition

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5.0

Cicada is beautiful and bleak. Through stark and minimalist text and illustrations, Shaun Tan has created something with a lot to say. I'll be thinking about this one for a while. It was one of those that I started over immediately after I finished it because it was so affecting. It was over so quickly yet left me with so many thoughts and feelings.

alexthepink's review against another edition

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5.0

My 5yo was utterly enthralled by this, despite it really being for an older audience. He flipped through the pictures by himself and completely understood what it was about. I think this works on many levels for all sorts of ages of children (and adults).

muddypuddle's review against another edition

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2.0

This poor cicada works for seventeen years for low pay, zero respect, and is constantly bullied and discriminated against. Okay, I get it. The ending, yes, is a treat. But the message is bleak and depressing and much more for an adult than a kid. And what on earth is "Tok Tok Tok?" Am I missing something? Is that supposed to be the sound a cicada makes?? Sorry to say, this book didn't do it for me. And the jury's out on how most kids would enjoy it.... (I really did like the little guy and felt so sorry for him for those 17 years!)

lucyblack's review against another edition

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5.0

Best children’s book I have read in a very long time. It’s simple and beautiful and moving. It’s harsh and not schulmzy. The story of an office worker, prejudice, capitalism, life, death and beauty.