'In his latest picture book, acclaimed Australian illustrator, writer and film-maker Shaun Tan explores the ponderous themes of migrant workers and workplace bullying through the voice of a hardworking insect who has toiled away, unappreciated and without promotion, alongside humans in a grey office block for 17 years.
'The author of award-winning books including The Rabbits, The Red Tree and The Arrival, as well as Oscar-winning short film The Lost Thing, reveals behind the scenes of the horrifying and humorous story, showing us the sketches and moveable sculptures that ultimately allowed Cicada to fly. ' (Introduction)
