Sunny Makes a Splash

Sunny #4

by Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm (Illustrations)

The latest in the New York Times bestselling Sunny series brings Sunny into a sink-or-swim summer, where she needs to float her first job and dive into her first maybe-flirtation.

It's summer, and Sunny is BORED. Most of her friends are out of town. Her mom wants her to baby-sit way more than Sunny wants to baby-sit. There's nothing good on TV.

The only place that's cool (in a not-boring sense) and cool (in a not-hot sense) is the community pool. Sunny loves going there . . . and loves it even more when she's offered a job at the snack shack. Soon she's flinging fries and serving soft ice-cream like a pro . . . with the assistance of the very sweet boy who works with her.

Sunny's mom isn't sure Sunny should be quite so independent. But Sunny is definitely sure: Life is best when it's free swim.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Comics

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21, 2021

About the author

Jennifer L. Holm is a USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling children's author with more than 9.8 million books in print She is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE and a Scott O'Dell Award for her novel FULL OF BEANS.

Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!

For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"But it's my summer break and it's hot and there's no one to play with and I'm bored!" -- Sunny, page 16

Sunny - the personable young blonde heroine of three previous 70's-set graphic novellas - returns for another low-key pre-adolescent adventure in Holm's Sunny Makes a Splash. This time it is the summer break of 1978, and soon-to-be thirteen year-old Sunny quickly hits a towering wall of boredom when 1.) her few closest friends leave town on extended vacations and 2.) she tires of sweltering in her suburban home that is not yet equipped with air-conditioning. Her saving grace arrives when she - in a sweetly selfless moment - pitches in to help an overwhelmed acquaintance who is manning a busy swimming pool snack bar, and thus obtains her first summer job amidst the usual growing pains and realizations about life. As with the previous volumes, I loved the attention to period details (the Starsky & Hutch TV series, 'Reggie Bar' candy, receiving 'wish you were here' postcards from friends) as well as several correct and stylishly locale-specific references. That is, since Sunny resides in the Valley Forge suburbs of southeastern Pennsylvania her family would shop at the Genuardi's Family Market chain, read the (now-defunct) daily Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper, and attend a (fictional but plausible) swimming club named for Revolutionary War hero Lafayette. Also, the subtle but perfect ending leaves the door open for another likely and forthcoming chapter.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this fourth Sunny book is a visit from Gramps! His laid back personality is an effective foil for Sunny's ever suspicious mother. It is summer and Sunny's friends are off doing things away from home. Family time and babysitting little brother are BORING until they get invited to the local club pool. Soon Sunny finds herself with a job opportunity and new friends that she sees every day. If only she could be brave enough to jump off that high dive. Loved all the late 70's pop culture like "Starsky & Hutch" and "The Muppet Show" on TV, "Animal House" playing at the local cinema, Gramps reading "The Thorn Birds," Johnson's Baby Oil at the pool, and that pool layout -- really brings back memories. The summer vibe strikes a lighter tone than some of the earlier books in the series. Really loved it!

Thank you to Graphix and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sunny books are the kind of kids' graphic novels that get 3 stars individually, but 4 stars collectively. I always seek out each one as soon as it becomes available, and finish them too quickly. It's fun to recognize elements of my own 1970s childhood in them, but apparently the target audience likes Sunny too.

[steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

[At this point, I am just going to read any new Sunny books. I know that about me, it is a fact and I am old enough to know not to deny it]

So this book, volume 4, is cute. It takes place the summer Sunny turns 13 (1978 to be exact!) when all her friends have left for family vacations and Sunny is still home in Pennsylvania for the summer, hot and miserable and babysitting her younger brother. She eventually gets a job working the snack shack at the community pool and makes some friends while she's there. It's definitely much more lighthearted then the early books (no drama other than crushes or annoyance at parents) and we get to see Grandpa make a appearance as well as a few postcards from Dale, her big brother who we met in book #1. It's a super cute and fun read as usual but I have to say, Sunny's mom definitely stole the show in this volume. Her exasperation at Sunny ("Clean your room!" "Don't be home late") and her worry over Sunny's burgeoning friendship with Tony ("Why do you have a boy's T-shirt in your laundry?!?!) cracked me up. You could tell it was hard for her to let Sunny have more freedom that summer, even though she did. I really enjoyed that. That is universal between parents and children.

[Jon Zelazny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entry 1 in a possible new series, "What is My 11-year-old Reading?", and I couldn't be more charmed by this sweet reminiscence of a thirteen-year-old girl's first part-time job at a suburban community pool snack shack in the summer of 1978. Loved the gentle pacing and humor, the fondly-remembered portraits of friends, family, and customers, the pop-in highlighting of forgotten kid ephemera like Reggie bars and Nutty Buddies. Took me right back to that time, place, and age where nothing really happened, but every little word or glance was a Huge freakin' Deal.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this installment of the Sunny series. I especially like the fact that the books take place in the 1970’s. Sunny is growing up and gets a job at the swimming pool. Her mother is suspicious of her every move. Gramps has arrived for the summer, and he also gets a job and has a girlfriend. Sunny’s brother isn’t on the book, but sends a postcard to let the readers know that he is doing well.

[Nour (FREE PALESTINE) Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never be too old for Sunny Side Up. It's so stinkin good.
I ship Tony and Sunny, but in the back of my mind I can't help but think of Buzz, my spirit animal.

Sunny's mom: "You do realize that babysitting involves keeping your eyes open, preferably on the baby you're watching?"

Sunny: "Sure, Brian! I'd love to go to the pool!"
Sunny's mom: "Sunny, you need to ask permission before you go somewhere. You can't just say yes."
Sunny: "Sorry. Can I still go?"
Sunny's mom: "I suppose"

Sunny: "Uh, about the shirt. Does it mean a lot to you?"
Tony: "Uhh, it's Tweety Bird."
Sunny: "Yeah, forget I said anything."
Sunny: "Sheesh!"

Sunny's mom: "Dad?? What are you doing here?"
Gramps: "I just drove up."
Sunny's mom: "Eighteen hours from Florida??? Why?"
Gramps: "The roof fell in."
...
Sunny's mom: "And you didn't think to CALL first?"
Gramps: "And pay those long-distance fees?"

Random boy: "Can I have an ice-cream sandwich?"
Sunny: "Uh, sure, gimme a minute"

Tony: "Is it serious?"
Sunny: "He's taking her to a restaurant with a salad bar."
Tony: "Sounds serious."

Sunny's mom: "Well, if you stay out again this late, you're grounded"
Gramps: "You can't ground me, I’m your father!"

Sunny: "Do you like sherbet?"
Gramps: "Can't stand the stuff."

Tony: "Sunny! You can do it, Hutch!"

Dawn: "How's Tony?"
Sunny: "I haven't really seen him."
Dawn: "Really? But I know he really likes you! Do you like him?"
Sunny: "I-I-I-"
Me: hehehehehhe

Tony in sunny's yearbook: "Sunny, you got my vote for coolest girl. Tony"

Sunny: "Hey Starsky!"
Tony: "Hutch!"
Sunny: "Nice shirt."

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

by far my favorite book of the series
it’s cute
independence, friendship, and underlying romance
books like this makes me go aww and it’s great
i wonder if they’ll make more of this series 🤷🏻

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Sunny series and am always happy when Jennifer Holm comes out with a new one. This latest book and book #1 are my favorites because of one reason-Gramps! In this one he comes to visit! He's a hoot, and he and Sunny together are pure magic. I love the relationship the two of them have. I had to laugh when Sunny's mom threw up her hands in frustration because she now had two teenagers living in her house since Gramps had started seeing a lady friend and Sunny was sort of seeing a boy. It was more than Sunny's mom could handle.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Sunny book, but still a fun read. This book made me feel old! LOL. I remember some of this stuff in the book. The candies, the freedom of not have adults around 24/7, the jobs before age 15/16. I didn't experience it all first hand, being an 80's kid, but I remember a fair share of it. I think this would be such a nostalgic read for my parents. I hope there will be more to this series in the future.

[RandomReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was fun, and a little bit nostalgic at some parts.

[Diana S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐⭐⭐

[Anne-Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai dévoré ce 4e tome avec plaisir. <3

[lucy grace ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY LIFE RN... SAVE MEE

[Cress · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Emily P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good!!!!I loved this book soooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Natalie (Natflix&Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this MG graphic novel series, of which this is the fourth. This one follows Sunny and her summer working at the snack bar of the pool. She makes new friends and possibly develops a crush on a co-worker. This one is definitely much lighter the the first books in this series (especially the first that has a heavy focus on her brother's drug addiction), but I enjoyed its fun, summer vibe.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel featuring the appealing Sunny is a 3.5 for me. This book and series are so relatable for today's audience, but for those of us who grew up in the Sixties for Seventies, it's even more so since the text and images capture foods, snacks, and elements of popular culture and everyday life from those times so effectively. Readers who have followed Sunny in the previous three books will enjoy this one just as well. It's summer vacation, and as the long school year comes to an end and school yearbooks are distributed and signed, Sunny reflects on her invisibility and spending a hot, boring summer without her best friend, Deb, who is away for several months visiting her grandmother. When being at the right place at the right time results in a job working at the snack bar at the local swim club, Sunny leaps at the opportunity. Although her mother's not particularly happy with the idea of her working, Sunny sees it as a chance for some independence and a way to hang out with some of the older crowd who are lifeguards there. As it turns out, Sunny is good at this new job, and she and Tony, the owner's son, make strong connections. Still, even while embracing new experiences and gaining confidence, there's one thing that Sunny cannot do--dive from the high board into the pool. This graphic novel captures the slow development of friendships and charts how Sunny's world grows larger even as her beloved grandfather arrives for a brief stay and begins a romance with someone at the thrift shop. Sunny's mother tries hard to keep her daughter and father in line, but they are both feeling their oats and a need for some independence. As the summer comes to a close, Sunny has conquered more than one of her fears, has gained some self-confidence, and just might be on the verge of a romantic relationship with Tony, one that is based on friendship first. This book's creators, a brother and sister team, truly know their characters, the time period, and their audience quite well. Many middle grade readers will see themselves in Sunny and how unexpected circumstances take her from being bored to cool.

[Kenya Starflight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I'm not in the age demographic the Sunny graphic novels are aimed at, they're still highly enjoyable. They're good stories about a girl transitioning from childhood to teenage-hood, and a fascinating time capsule of the author growing up in the seventies. And "Sunny Makes a Splash" is a great addition to the series.

It's summer, and Sunny is looking for something cooler to do than just babysit her little brother -- cooler in both senses of the word! So when she discovers there's a job opening at the pool's snack bar, she jumps at the chance! It will mean a memorable summer for her -- not just swimming and selling hot dogs and ice cream to kids, but watching the drama play out among the lifeguards, watching her grandfather become a rebellious teenager again, and even finding a possible first romance... or just a good friendship.

Like the rest of the series, the art for this series is fun to look at, colorful and nicely styled. It looks a little scratchy and messy at times, but at the same time that's part of its charm. The layout is simple and easy to follow, and there are some fun visual nods to the '70s throughout, which should appeal to older readers and help younger readers understand some of the quirks of the era.

It's not necessary to read the other Sunny books to understand the story here -- it stands well alone, though having read the other Sunny books would help you understand her relationship with her grandfather and her friends a little better. It's a fun, lighthearted story, never too heavy or serious and a fun look at the misadventures of one memorable summer.

"Sunny Makes a Splash" is a fun new addition to the Sunny series, and can be read as either a stand-alone or as part of the series proper. Great for both kids and adults... especially those that might remember the weirdness of growing up in the '70s.

[Sydney]

My favorite installment of the series yet! I love the relationship between Sunny and her grandpa and I was glad to see him return. Very cute overall, lots of great nods to the 70s and plenty of moments to look back and chuckle at my own teenage self.

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

That 70s Show Kids Bop remix!





Also, was not aware that this was a series so I'm off to search for the other 🌞 books.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and since the author is now basing it on her life, it becomes even more real, and enjoyable. And if you have read the other books in the series, Gramps is back, and having fun.

While Sunny's mother is an overworked housewife, Sunny gets a job at the snack shop at the local club, and learns about business and swimming, and all the things you have to learn when you do work.

She is worried she is going to have a boring summer, because no one is around, and then her grandfather shows up, because his condo roof caved in, and he figured he would stay with them for a while, while it got fixed.

Meanwhile, Sunny enjoys working at the pool, despite her mother thinking that she is dating the boy she is working with.

Itis all fun, and now I look even more forward to the next Sunny book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this newest story about sunny!! She is convinced that this summer is going to be the worst because she has nothing to do except babysit for her baby brother and all of her friends are going away. But when her friend invites her to the swim club a few times, she finds out one of the boys from school works at the snack stand and offers her a job! Things pick up and lots of fun ensues! Maybe she will even go on her first date?!? Highly recommend for all upper elementary and middle school libraries. Thank you Scholastic for sharing with #CTCASLReads!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the popular Sunny series. This one takes place in the summer. Sunny's friends have all gone away to camp. She's hot and bored! Her mom wants her to babysit her younger brother, but that's not very exciting. Then she lands a job at the concession stand at the town pool. Her summer goes from boring to exciting, as Sunny spends her days working, meeting new people and becoming more independent. As with the other books in this series, Sunny is a likable, relatable character. The artwork is bright and colorful and brings the story to life.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to believe that the author of this series also wrote Our Only May Amelia, a book that was probably the worst I’ve read in the last few months. I own all of the Sunny books except for this one, and I’ve enjoyed them all. By the time I finished this one, it had me thinking that it was summer and not midwinter!

[Jennifer Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am the same age as the author, so there was some nice late 70's nostalgia and it was cute, but a bit boring. Just a little too superficial, and little more depth and less-simplistic dialog would have been nice. But, it wasn't written for a 50-year old audience, and for a newly independent or reluctant reader it would be perfect.

[Mary Havens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Sunny!!! I also really love Grandpa and the parallel lives they are living as a tween and senior citizen. So cute!!
I read this in 30 minutes and it was just the pick-me-up that I needed.
Looking forward to many more. I especially like Jennifer Holm's inclusion of personal photos at the end. And the '70s nostalgia is strong and fun.
Such a great series.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 enthusiastic stars for Sunny Makes a Splash. I loved this book in the series. We follow Sunny on her summer vacation as she fights dying of boredom. I love Sunny, the new characters we meet, and naturally GRAMPS. It put a smile on my face the entire time that I was reading. My only complaint is that I read it so fast and then it was over. I might reread all of the books in the series to get more of Sunny.

[Kyelah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series I don´t care how old I am I will always enjoy these books. The sunny series always made me laugh. If you are upset these books will cheer you up. I finish these books in thirty minutes i cant put them down.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have a fun time with these books. That being said I'm not sure if I find the mom somewhat reasonable or just completely overbearing, especially given how she treats her own father in this one.