Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Relatives Came
Illustrator: Stephen Gammell
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Simon and Schuster, 1993 ISBN: 978-0689717383
The relatives have come from Virginia. They had to drive a long way and for a long time and they left when "their grapes were nearly purple enough to pick." Now they are at our house and they are full of hugs and even a few tears. It is a very huggish sort of time and also a time for lots of talk and eating, catching up and being together.
There are so many relatives visiting that most of them have to sleep on the floor but they don’t mind because they are an easy-going crowd. They are also a good humoured and helpful crowd, working on the house and in the yard, fixing things that are broken, playing music for the whole family, and best of all just being there, spending time with us.
Full of warmth and the joy that can be found in a close and loving family, this exceptional picture book is a joy to read out loud. Stephen Gammell’s signature pencil artwork beautifully captures the light-hearted joy of the two families and the simple pleasures that they share together.
