GARMANN’S SUMMER

This translated picture book from Norway, the 2007 BolognaRagazzi Award winner, examines a young boy’s anxieties. As summer draws to a close, it’s time for Garmann’s three elderly aunts to make their annual visit and for school to begin soon. Six-year-old Garmann is scared of the new school year, but he finds comfort in asking his family about their own fears. While Auntie Ruth fears she’ll soon need a walker, Auntie Borghild is scared of dying. His violinist father gets nervous before concerts, his mother worries about his crossing the street by himself and forgetful Auntie Augusta “doesn’t remember what it is like to be scared.” As he observes the signs of the aunts’ aging and the death of a sparrow in the garden, Garmann begins to understand that fear is a natural part of growing up. A mélange of vintage photographs, antique floral prints, patterned backgrounds and realia gives Garmann’s discoveries a dreamlike quality, but the surreal effect, as well as the lengthy text, will appeal more to adults than young children. (Picture book. 5-8)