A contagiously funny graphic novel from bestselling creator Remy Lai. Abby and her four younger siblings are itching to escape their house - literally. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

NOTABLE BOOK: 2026 CBCA Book of the Year, Younger Readers

SHORTLISTED: 2026 WEST AUSTRALIAN YOUNG READERS' BOOK AWARDS, Younger Readers

Abby Lai is sick of being trapped at home with her FOUR younger siblings! All she wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end ... of her sanity. Yet she feels responsible for the situation, since her best friend was Patient Zero and brought chickenpox into their home.

Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realise being a big sister isn't all bad? Full of heart and hijinks, Chickenpox showcases what gets us through good times and bad: family.

A funny and absorbing graphic novel by the award-winning creator of Ghost Book and Pawcasso.

'You can only catch chickenpox once, but you'll want to read this book again and again.' Kayla Miller, New York Times bestselling creator of the Click graphic novel series

'A beautifully honest, funny and heartfelt window into the high-stakes world of sibling relationships.' Jason Pamment, bestselling creator of Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

'Remy Lai captures the chaos of being trapped with your siblings in her signature quirky style and delivers a superb, fun story with all the feels.' Gavin Aung Than, New York Times bestselling cartoonist

Details

ISBN13: 9781761068621
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 240
Edition:
Publication Date: 04 Feb 2025
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Dimensions (cm): 20.4(H)x14(L)489
Weight (gm): 489

Author Biography

Remy Lai was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore and currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she writes and draws stories for kids with her two dogs by her side. Remy is also the award-winning creator of Pie in the Sky, Fly on the Wall, Pawcasso, the Surviving the Wild series, Ghost Book and Read At Your Own Risk. www.remylai.com

Reviews

'Chickenpox is so full of fun and heartfelt moments that it makes reading contagious! You'll want to read this book in one-sitting ... I did!' Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of Invisible

'Funny, heartfelt, and relatable, Chickenpox will scratch every reader's itch for a great story!" Megan Wagner Lloyd, bestselling author of Allergic

'A wonderful tale about siblings and friendship. Remy Lai is a master at capturing the tween voice!' Varian Johnson, award-winning author of Twins

'No one writes sibling drama like Remy Lai.' Collen AF Venable, author of the Katie the Catsitter series

'Full of heart, wit, and at times downright hilarious ... A wonderfully universal story about the growing pains of adolescence, and navigating those challenges amidst family, friends, and chickenpox! Highly relatable.' Betty C. Tang, artist of Parachute Kids

'A fantastic portrait of family, friends, fighting and finding a connection with the people closest in your life. Chickenpox will leave the reader itching to know more about the Lai family.' Rey Terciero, author of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy