Chickenpox
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
A contagiously funny graphic novel from bestselling creator Remy Lai. Abby and her four younger siblings are itching to escape their house - literally. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
Abby Lai is sick of being trapped at home with her FOUR younger siblings! All she wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end ... of her sanity. Yet she feels responsible for the situation, since her best friend was Patient Zero and brought chickenpox into their home.
Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realise being a big sister isn't all bad? Full of heart and hijinks, Chickenpox showcases what gets us through good times and bad: family.
A funny and absorbing graphic novel by the award-winning creator of Ghost Book and Pawcasso.
'You can only catch chickenpox once, but you'll want to read this book again and again.' Kayla Miller, New York Times bestselling creator of the Click graphic novel series
'A beautifully honest, funny and heartfelt window into the high-stakes world of sibling relationships.' Jason Pamment, bestselling creator of Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
'Remy Lai captures the chaos of being trapped with your siblings in her signature quirky style and delivers a superb, fun story with all the feels.' Gavin Aung Than, New York Times bestselling cartoonist
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in Indonesia, this semi-autobiographical narrative by Lai (Read at Your Own Risk) follows the creator's eldest sister Abby, who's forced into quarantine with her four younger siblings after they all contract chickenpox. Lai casts her eight-year-old self in a supporting role to 12-year-old Abby (whose dislikes include brain freeze alongside "being a big sister") as Abby confronts developing conflicts with her friends, all while navigating the bodily discomfort of illness and mind-numbing monotony of being stuck at home. The sibling relationships form the core of this bustling narrative, demonstrating the unique blend of affection and exasperation that can accompany growing up with a large family. Expressive cartoon-style illustrations render exaggerated physical comedy to highlight the situation's absurdity, while a bright color palette infuses the sometimes bittersweet character dynamics with an upbeat vibe. Depictions of 1990s communication and entertainment (landlines and VHS tapes) inject nostalgia into this touching and humorous graphic novel interpretation of a chaotic familial experience. A concluding author's note provides historical context surrounding the chickenpox vaccine. Ages 8–12.
