A Summer Without Anna

A sweet story about missing a sibling, A Summer Without Anna by Kate Jenks Landry and Risa Hugo is a story for readers who may need to spend time away from their siblings.

Junie is staying at Nan and Pops house without Anna. The doctors say that Anna is not quite ready so Junie spends the summer taking photos for Anna so that she can feel closer to her big sister while they have to be apart.

Kate Jenks Landry gives readers a story that can help navigate some of the more difficult times in a reader's life. For all readers who have a sibling who is sick and who needs to spend some time away, this is a gentle, realistic story that can help navigate all the big feelings that can come along with having a sibling or another loved one who is ill.

I love how the story starts with a camera to document all of the things happening over the summer except the most important discovery. Junie doesn’t take a picture of Edmund because that is something she wants to share with her sister in person. Kate Jenks Landry realistically shares all of the anger, uncertainty and sadness that comes along with such a big life event.

Risa Hugo’s illustrations are gentle and kind, holding readers in her gentle embrace. A soft colour palette takes readers through the summer while still including all of the colours of the summer, just muted, like Junie’s feelings.