Remy Lai, Chickenpox, A & U Children, February 2025, 240 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761068621
On the surface, Remy Lai’s latest graphic novel is a humorous snapshot of life, when catching chickenpox was an uncomfortable childhood rite of passage. But while Chickenpox captures this experience beautifully, it’s mostly about sibling relationships and the pain and embarrassment that comes from being the eldest child. (Yep, I’m the eldest of four).
At 12, Abby is constantly frustrated by her younger siblings who play tricks on her and want to be involved when she has friends over. When Abby’s friends visit and witness her fury at her siblings, they’re uncomfortable and quickly say their goodbyes. Then, to Abby’s horror, she catches the chickenpox and is trapped at home with her four also-infected younger siblings. It’s a recipe for itching, fighting, itching and more fighting. But as the days pass Abby and her siblings slowly find some comfort in each other.
Throughout the story, Abby has friendship dramas caused by multiple miscommunications. She also treats a boy badly after making wrong assumptions. This page was a cracker:
Julia is being mean to me because she thinks I like the boy she likes +
Monica is being weird with me because she also thinks I like the boy Julia likes
= It’s the boy’s fault. (p. 147)
Eventually, Abby apologises, to the boy (friend) and the pair find a way forward. This kind of social and emotional learning for young readers is a hallmark of Lai’s works, seamlessly woven into a fun story.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
