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Shushu
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A tender exploration of motherhood, memory and the silences that speak louder than words.
A tender exploration of motherhood, memory and the silences that speak louder than words.
Miri is the exhausted mother of a screaming newborn and four-year-old Frances, who refuses to give up her shushu (pacifier). When Miri's 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 motherhood itself. 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.
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.
From the creators of Alte Zachen (V&A award-winner and Carnegie-shortlisted graphic novel for children), Shushu is Cicada's first adult graphic novel.
Miri is the exhausted mother of a screaming newborn and four-year-old Frances, who refuses to give up her shushu (pacifier). When Miri's 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 motherhood itself. 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.
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.
From the creators of Alte Zachen (V&A award-winner and Carnegie-shortlisted graphic novel for children), Shushu is Cicada's first adult graphic novel.
Extent: 120 pp
Format: Hardback
Publication date: 2026-08-19
Size: 24.0 x 19.0 cm
ISBN: 9781800660618
Praise for Shushu
Shushu is that rare find. This is motherhood, warts and all, beautiful, ugly and true. This is a gift for a woman who is out the other side but can still see those moments in the rear window.
The Jewish Chronicle
A tender graphic novel about the silent struggles of motherhood. This impactful story has a quiet power.
Publisher's Weekly (US)
An ideal gift for new fathers the world over (however good a job they think they are doing, they can do more!).
Bookmunch
About the Author
Ziggy Hanaor is a writer and publisher living in London. She is the author of V&A awardwinning graphic novel Alte Zachen (2022), Carnegie-nominated The Egg Incident (2023), Life (As We Know It) (2025) and YA graphic novel Everything Amplified (2025) - all Cicada Books.
Benjamin Phillips is V&A Moira Gemmill Illustrator of the Year 2024 and winner of the V&A Illustration for Children Award for Alte Zachen (2022, Cicada). He is the illustrator of One Day, by Michael Rosen (Walker, 2025). From his studio in Hastings, Benjamin finds inspiration in human interaction and the humour and turmoil of everyday life.
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