Module 6

 Picture Books

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant 

Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

Bibliography

Rylant, C. (1993). The Relatives Came. New York, NY: First Aladdin Books.

ISBN 0-689-71738-5

Summary

It is the story of relatives visiting during the summer.  They all missed each other and have weeks of fun and laughter and catch up together before they have to head back to Virginia.  

My Impression

I loved it, it was such a cute story, it reminded me of the fun I have with my extended family when we were younger and took summer trips to Lake Arrowhead, or even to parks or beaches.  

Reviews

 From School Library JournalKindergarten-Grade 3 The title of Rylant's exuberant tale is an understatement, for when "those relatives" came, they came en masse and they came for an extended stay. Their anticipation at seeing kin during their long, long drive and finally hugging them "against their wrinkled Virginia clothes" set the tone for this welcome family reunion, a visit that never wears thin. The relatives are depicted as a support system to help a fatherless family with all the things that need to be done in and around their house. In down-to-earth language that harbors strong emotion, Rylant recounts the festive celebration of the relatives' stayand the ensuing sadness when they depart. The relatives in question are a large rural brood, depicted, in Gammell's joyous color pencil drawings, as running the gamut from porcine to scrawny, old to young and rowdy to silent. In pictures of this group hugging, eating and sleeping, the unspoken closeness of the unnamed relatives can be felt. These softly colored pictures, which capture the spirit of the brief text, are large enough for sharing in groupsa use of this warm book that seems particularly appropriate. David Gale, "School Library Journal"

From Barnes & NobleWhen the relatives come bumping up from Virginia, the house fills with people and hugs. There are so many people that meals have to be eaten in rotation, and arms and legs get tangled at bedtime! When summer ends and the relatives leave, beds feel "too big and too quiet," yet we know that the relatives will return next summer. Gammel's scratchy, messy illustrations capture the boisterous and loving togetherness.

Use in Library Setting

This could be added to the picture book collection of any library, it can be housed in the children's room of a public library but can be enjoyed by all ages, since it is a cute little story about family and fun times.  It can also be added to elementary and middle school libraries or any teacher's own classroom library.

Review. (2002). The Relatives Came. [Review of the book The Relatives Came]. 

Amazon.com. 

Available from

http://www.amazon.com/Relatives-Came-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0689717385

Review. (n. d.). The Relatives Came. [Review of the book The Relatives Came]. 

Barnes & Noble. 

Available from

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relatives-came-cynthia-rylant/1102660225?ean=9780689717383

Image from

http://www.hicklebees.com/book/9780689717383