Description
A tender exploration of motherhood, memory and the silences that we choose to ignore.
Miri is the exhausted mother of a screaming newborn and four-year-old Frances, who refuses to give up her shushu (pacifier). When her judgmental mother-in-law, Bella, arrives, she's more of a burden than a help; criticising mealtimes, bedtimes, and of course, the ever-present shushu. When not dispensing unsolicited advice, Bella lounges in a Valium-induced haze on the sofa.
Miri is overwhelmed-not just by Bella, but by the new roles assigned to her. Her identity is subsumed in the relentless rhythm of nursery runs, dinner prep and the demands of domesticity. All the while, Frances, ever watchful, gathers her lessons in silence.
This is a tender, sharp, and quietly powerful story about the isolation of motherhood, and the pacifiers - both literal and metaphorical - we pass down through generations.
From the creators of Alte Zachen (Carnegie Shortlist, V&A Illustration Award), this marks Cicada's first adult graphic novel. Benjamin Phillips' expressive hand-drawn ink illustrations breathe life into every page. Told with subtlety, wit and warmth, it explores universal themes that will resonate deeply with readers.
A tender exploration of motherhood, memory and the silences that we choose to ignore.
About the Author
Ziggy Hanaor is a publisher and writer. She is the author of the award-winning graphic novel, Alte Zachen, the Ragazzi shortlisted graphic novel, The Egg Incident, and most recently, Everything Amplified.
Benjamin Phillips finds inspiration in human interaction, the humour and turmoil of everyday life and the joy of repetition. He is the illustrator of Alte Zachen (Carnegie shortlist, 2023, V&A illustration award winner, 2024) and of One Day, by Michael Rosen (Walker, 2025). He is the author of The Man With Very Long Legs (Albin Michel, 2025).
Book Information
ISBN 9781800660618
Author Ziggy Hanaor
Format Hardback
Page Count 120
Imprint Cicada Books
Publisher Cicada Books
Miri is the exhausted mother of a screaming newborn and four-year-old Frances, who refuses to give up her shushu (pacifier). When her judgmental mother-in-law, Bella, arrives, she's more of a burden than a help; criticising mealtimes, bedtimes, and of course, the ever-present shushu. When not dispensing unsolicited advice, Bella lounges in a Valium-induced haze on the sofa.
Miri is overwhelmed-not just by Bella, but by the new roles assigned to her. Her identity is subsumed in the relentless rhythm of nursery runs, dinner prep and the demands of domesticity. All the while, Frances, ever watchful, gathers her lessons in silence.
This is a tender, sharp, and quietly powerful story about the isolation of motherhood, and the pacifiers - both literal and metaphorical - we pass down through generations.
From the creators of Alte Zachen (Carnegie Shortlist, V&A Illustration Award), this marks Cicada's first adult graphic novel. Benjamin Phillips' expressive hand-drawn ink illustrations breathe life into every page. Told with subtlety, wit and warmth, it explores universal themes that will resonate deeply with readers.
A tender exploration of motherhood, memory and the silences that we choose to ignore.
About the Author
Ziggy Hanaor is a publisher and writer. She is the author of the award-winning graphic novel, Alte Zachen, the Ragazzi shortlisted graphic novel, The Egg Incident, and most recently, Everything Amplified.
Benjamin Phillips finds inspiration in human interaction, the humour and turmoil of everyday life and the joy of repetition. He is the illustrator of Alte Zachen (Carnegie shortlist, 2023, V&A illustration award winner, 2024) and of One Day, by Michael Rosen (Walker, 2025). He is the author of The Man With Very Long Legs (Albin Michel, 2025).
Book Information
ISBN 9781800660618
Author Ziggy Hanaor
Format Hardback
Page Count 120
Imprint Cicada Books
Publisher Cicada Books
