Sunny Side Up: A Graphic Novel (Sunny #1) (1)

Sunny Side Up: A Graphic Novel (Sunny #1) has become an instant hit in our household, captivating the hearts and imaginations of my 7 and 8-year-old girls. From the moment they cracked open the pages, they were drawn into Sunny's world, eager to follow her on her summer adventures. The story is relatable and heartwarming, touching on themes of friendship, family, and growing up in a way that resonates with young readers. The graphic novel format is perfect for kids who may be transitioning into longer, more complex stories. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing the characters and their emotions to life on the page. My daughters found themselves fully immersed in Sunny's journey, eagerly flipping through the panels to see what would happen next. What sets Sunny Side Up apart is its ability to tackle deeper topics with sensitivity and humor. While the story touches on some heavier themes, such as family struggles and addiction, it does so in a way that is age-appropriate and approachable for young readers. It sparked meaningful conversations with my daughters, allowing us to explore these topics together in a safe and supportive environment. As a parent, it's always a joy to find books that not only entertain but also inspire and educate. Sunny Side Up strikes the perfect balance, offering a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a testament to the power of literature to connect us and spark conversations across generations. In summary, Sunny Side Up: A Graphic Novel is a must-read for young readers seeking adventure, friendship, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. It's a book that will leave a lasting impression and spark imaginations for years to come.

**Sunny Side Up: A Graphic Novel (Sunny #1)** by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm is a delightful yet poignant read that captures the complexities of childhood and family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a Florida retirement community, the story follows **10-year-old Sunny**, who is sent to spend her summer away from home due to her family's struggles with her older brother's troubling behavior. The graphic novel beautifully balances **humor and heart**, making it accessible for younger readers while also resonating with adults. As Sunny navigates her new environment, she encounters a cast of quirky characters that add depth and charm to her journey. The use of **flashbacks** reveals the emotional weight Sunny carries, providing insight into her family's challenges and her own personal growth. Readers have praised the book for its **sensitive portrayal of trauma** and the importance of resilience. It serves as a valuable resource for children dealing with similar issues, offering a relatable narrative that encourages open conversations about feelings and family struggles. The vibrant illustrations complement the storytelling, making it visually engaging and enjoyable. Overall, **Sunny Side Up** is not just a graphic novel; it's a heartfelt exploration of how to find joy and hope in difficult circumstances. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching story that combines **lighthearted moments with deeper themes**, making it a perfect addition to any young reader's collection!

I've owned the Kindle edition of this graphic novel for a few years now, but recently it was mentioned on a book podcast as a recommendation for readers of Raina Telgemeier. I'm a fan of her autobiographical Sisters series, which can be funny and lighthearted. Sunny Side Up, by brother and sister author team Jennifer and Matthew Holm, was funny but not lighthearted, which is surprising for middle grade fiction. Sunny is ten years old and has been looking forward to her family summer vacation to the beach. She isn't prepared for her parents to cancel the trip and instead send her off to stay with her grandfather in Florida, who lives in a retirement community. There's a beach in Florida, right? As Sunny reflects on the events in the recent past that lead up to this summer, and her conflicting feelings about someone close to her, the reader is allowed to walk in her shoes. I really appreciated the positive message and cultural diversity in the novel, as well as the escapism of comic books and superheroes. Set in 1976, it was still a little surprising to read at the end that this was a semi autobiographical work! I can definitely see why it would appeal to fans of Telgemeier. Her books are always like stepping back in time. It's funny how no matter how long ago your were a tween or teenager, we all face similar pressures and difficulties. I especially loved the afterword the authors wrote at the end. It made me at least not feel like I was alone, and I'm not even the target audience. "Sometimes it's hard to be a kid. It can be even harder when someone you love has a drug or alcohol abuse problem. Like Sunny, we had a close relative who had serious issues with substance abuse. As children, we were bystanders to this behavior and yet it affected our whole world. It made us feel ashamed and embarrassed and scared and sad. Most of all, it was something that we felt we had to keep a secret." Highly recommend for graphic novel enthusiasts. I've been finding it difficult to find time to read lately, and was reminded of how refreshing but short graphic novels can be when you're short on time or brain power. We're currently in Seville for the week, and this was the perfect read at the moment. Looks like my library has the sequel on the Libby app, so I may just download that and jump right into it. Why not binge on a "sort of" vacation?

I liked this graphic novel. It's about a kid who has to spend her summer vacation with her grandfather in Florida, when she really wanted to do other things. Her grandfather lives in a retirement community. I got this because I heard that it had a few references to the comic book Swamp Thing, and it has about four or five pages where the characters have Swamp Thing comic books. It's really fun, and I laughed a lot at the funny parts. The artwork is great, too. And Sunny and the only other kid her age in the retirement home read a lot of comics. It wasn't until after I finished this and was preparing for this review that I realized that this was supposed to be a kids' book. Sure, I knew that the protagonist was a kid, but because it's a retro throwback to the 70's, I thought it was targeted at adults. I was about 3/4th through it before I realized that it was trying to deal with some pretty dark themes, and I guess provide them in a palatable way for kids. I don't want to spoil the ending, but I didn't like how Sunny's resolution just perpetuated the cycle that she was trying to break out of. But, something like what happened in this book is probably pretty realistic, because most families never fully break out of their bad cycles. But, overall, it's awesome. I highly recommend it.

Daughter loves this book. She is 9 years old and finished it with in the day!!!

Ignore the review that said this is not a book for younger kids. It absolutely is. The pictures the other reviewer puts up are mostly memories of the main character's older brother who was spiraling into addiction. Spoilers - Her parents sent her away with her grandfather while they were trying to get the brother help (but they never told Sunny this so she assumed it was all her fault). Meanwhile the grandfather was trying to hide his smoking habit. Eventually Sunny (the main character) called him on it and he helped her open up about her brother. Afterwards they promised to keep no more secrets and they both threw out the grandfather's cigarettes together as he decided he really was going to quit. So if you buy this for your younger child, make sure to read it first. It is a good way to open up a gentle conversation about the reality of drug abuse and the problem with keeping secrets. It is also a wonderful way to show a child that it is actually okay and even positive to "tell on" someone if they are in trouble--getting themselves hurt or hurting others--and it is good to talk if someone makes you feel sad or hurt. Studies back up that children are less likely to run into issues with drug addiction if they have adults in their lives to talk with them early about it. So I am very glad I took advantage of the Kindle deal for this book. I will be letting my 8 year old read it tonight.

Excelente producto, buena calidad

This is another book written like a comic. My granddaughter requested it and I got another one in the same series for her.