In this collection of illustrations and cartoons, Sempe explores some of his favourite themes, such as unspoken truths, failed communications and hidden talents. There are men talk who to their cars, while others hope to communicate with creatures from distant planets, as well as women yearning for long-vanished civilisations, girls dreaming of pop stardom and children getting up to no good, as usual.

Most famous in the English-speaking world for his instantly recognizable New Yorker covers, Jean-Jacques Sempe has delighted readers in France and beyond with his witty drawings and keen eye for the finer points of the human condition for over 40 years. Now, his sharply observed and beautifully drawn cartoons are available in English for the first time. The pithy captions were translated from the original French by Anthea Bell, who also translated the Asterix comics into English.