The Other Side of Sunny

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L Holm and Matthew Holm

Why yes, this is MY signed copy

After reading Sunny Side Up,  the latest graphic novel from Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, I found myself thinking about sides.
If one side of a person is "sunny",  what is to be found on the opposite side?  Even in "The Sunshine State" of Florida, can there be a darker side?
Plucky little Sunny is trying to cope with the ever-increasing realization that not everything in  life is "sunshine, unicorns, and rainbows". 
For Sunny this other side seems to consist of denying that a problem exists, remaining silent, and pretending that everything is okay.
Here are a few of the panels which poignantly illustrate her dilemma.

Sunny's initial response is to deny that there could be a problem.
Eventually she must decide if ignoring the problem is helpful.

Sunny first concludes that the problem must somehow be her fault. She assumes the guilt and blame. 

Sunny realizes that denying the existance of a problem is not a solution. 

Holm tackles this darker subject with a light touch, inserting 70's nostalgia and introducing  the memorable residents of Florida's Pine Palms Retirement Community.
I loved Sunny's summer companions.

• Gramps who considers a trip to the post office to be a "big plan" for the day and enjoys charming the ladies.
  
• "The Girls"who craft Barbie doll toilet paper covers and always tuck an extra roll from the "early bird" dinner special into a handbag.
  
• Buzz who searches for stray golf balls and introduces Sunny to the amazing world of comics.