Review:
The Sunscreaming Summer is a graphic novel with a health message about summer fun, skin care, and cloudy days. Toeing the line between a picture book and a graphic novel, this chapter book follows kids on their summer holiday, reviewing the winning game of being “sun smart” in their skin care.
Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar doesn’t just focus on physical health. From a too-pale father whose ghostly countenance may mean he’s swallowed a spirit to a boy who is afraid of too many things, her tale of summer fun embraces a broader spectrum of adventures and interpersonal relationships to portray kids who tackle physical and mental health issues alike.
Lea Embeli’s engaging art supplements the story of kids’ summer interactions and how Dr. Lazic is called upon to help one sunburned child.
Ghosts, ice cream sundaes, and skin care usually don’t intersect in kids’ books. Skinventurez: The Sunscreaming Summer is a study in childhood adventure that imparts several important messages about relationships and self-care.
Its unusual blend of chapter book, graphic novel, and picture book story will engage young readers on more than one level, earning it recommendation for elementary-level libraries and readers looking for a blend of entertainment and out-of-the-box thinking.
