Sunny Wants to Play
by Katty Maurey @katty_maurey
Until I picked up Sunny it didn’t occur to me that though there are endless picture books about gaining a sibling, there are almost none about being an only child. As an adult only child, who genuinely liked being one I connected with Sunny so much and very much had her experience as a child.
Sunny is home in her multigenerational household, and is looking for something to do. She wonders the house and finds everyone is busy, napping, no one is ready to play. She settles on playing with a fly when her dream comes true a child at the door asking to play!
Sunny joins the growing pack of children playing in the neighborhood.
Disaster strikes though as Sunny gets a kickball to the forehead.
Sunny then decides she’s had enough “friends” for now and heads home to the peace, quiet, and cuddles of her family.
Very much the only child play experience I felt, you had fun in the slew of siblings at your friend’s house but you were so ready for the peace and quiet and getting to play as you wanted at home.
The one piece of the only child experience I feel Sunny could have included is the depth of conversations with adults you have.
Sunny’s mix of full scenes and vignettes on white illustration style helps young readers focus on the details to extend the text. The art is a unique timeless style and lends a retro vibe to the book.
Thank you LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, and Penguin Randomhouse CA for this review copy to donate to our elementary school library.