Shushu

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.

Contributor: Benjamin Phillips (Illustrated by)

Illustrator: Benjamin Phillips

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.