Garmann's Summer, written and illustrated by Stian Hole, was originally published in Norway in 2006. Don Bartlett translated it into English and it was then published in the United States in 2008. In 2009, it became a Batchelder Honor Book. The story was good but the illustrations were creepy! The story is about a six-year-old boy named Garmann who is about to start school. Garmann is concerned that none of his teeth have fallen out yet; he talks to his mom, dad, and three elderly aunts who come visit every summer to see what they are scared of. They all share their fears with him and help him to understand that it is okay to be afraid. Garmann's Summer uses the characters of the aunts to address the issues of aging and death that are commonly avoided in children's books These topics are discussed in a funny and light manner but effective manner. Garmann takes things very literally, much like Amelia Bedelia, which adds another humorous element.
The illustrations, on the other hand, are just plain weird. They are completely unlike anything I have ever seen in a picture book. The people all have really big heads on little bodies and they are a mix of realistic pictures with cartoons. That may appeal to some people but it just bothers me. My advice: read the story, avoid looking at the pictures (unless you like unusual art).
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