CLIP Review: The Relatives Came

Authors:  Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated:  Stephen Gammell

Spending a week with our cousins was always the highlight of the summer for me and my sisters. Knowing the delights that lay ahead made us giddy with anticipation. We didn't even mind eating the pre-made sandwiches mom had packed along with drinks in the cooler to save time and money while driving. Back then our car had no air conditioning so talking meant yelling over the noise of the wind blowing with all the windows open. Though hot and sticky, we didn't care. Even our endless, "Are we there yet?" pleas to daddy went in one ear and out the other.  And finally...

"Then it was into the house and so much laughing and shining faces and hugging in the doorways.  You'd have to go through at least four different hugs to get from the kitchen to the front room. Those relatives!"

You'll surely recognize a relative or two as you enjoy the delightful illustrations in this sweetly hilarious book of a family reunion. How many times have you had to make a bed on the couch or squeeze another person into bed with you? With relatives you just "make the best of things" because that is what family does. I guarantee you will remember some stories of your own to share after reading this book! 

Don't miss Monday's Fireflies post:  Creating Magnetic Family Personalities!  A great DIY Christmas gift to make for your little ones.  Bundle your gift with the book, The Relatives Came!