In the midst of the holidays, or at any gathering-time of year, these books are “just right” for reading out loud to young and old. Celebrate family!
The Relatives Came
written by Cynthia Rylant
illustrated by Stephen Gammell
Atheneum, 1985
The relatives’ station wagon: it smelled like a real car, looked like a rainbow, and was roomy enough for a crowd.
Lucky! Because a big crowd in all shapes and sizes piled into that old wagon at four o’clock one summer morning and piled out of it the next day at their relatives’ place on the north side of the mountains. All in good moods.
The visitors settled in everywhere throughout the house, laughing and making music and hugging everyone from the kitchen to the front room. And they stayed for weeks.
1986 Caldecott Honor
On No, the Aunts Are Here
written by Adam Rex
illustrated by Lian Cho
Chronicle Books, 2023
One girl’s all-too-recognizable experience — a visit from a troupe of overwhelming and overly enthusiastic relations — escalates to new heights of chaos, absurdity, and delight in a laugh-out-loud take on family reunions.
Not Enough Beds!
written by Lisa Bullard
illustrated by Joni Oeltjenbruns
Lerner Publishing, 1999
Zachary goes through the alphabet recounting who sleeps where, from Aunt Alison in an overstuffed chair to himself under the tree, when all the relatives come to visit at Christmas.
Going Down Home with Daddy
written by Kelly Starling Lyons
illustrated by Daniel Minter
Peachtree Publishing, 2020
“On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home.”
Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do?
2002 Caldecott Honor Book
Stella Brings the Family
written by Miriam B. Schiffer
illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
Chronicle Books, 2015
Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day celebration, but what’s a girl with two daddies to do? It’s not that she doesn’t have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn’t have a mom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
written and illustrated by Grace Lin
Knopf Books, 2012
This simple, young, and satisfying story follows a Chinese American family as they celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
Each member of the family lends a hand as they prepare a moonlit picnic with mooncakes, pomelos, cups of tea, and colorful lanterns. And everyone sends thanks and a secret wish up to the moon.
Around the Table That Grandad Built
written by Melanie Heuiser Hill
illustrated by Jaime Kim
Candlewick Press, 2019
In a unique take on the cumulative classic “This Is the House That Jack Built,” a family gathers with friends and neighbors to share a meal around a table that brims with associations: napkins sewn by Mom, glasses from Mom and Dad’s wedding, silverware gifted to Dad by his grandma long ago. Not to mention the squash from the garden, the bread baked by Gran, and the pies made by the young narrator (with a little help). Serving up a diverse array of dishes and faces, this warm and welcoming story is poised to become a savored part of family gatherings to come.
Ohana Means Family
written by Ilima Loomis
illustrated by Kenard Pak
Neal Porter Books, 2002
oin the family, or ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau celebration with a poetic text in the style of The House That Jack Built. Now available in paperback.
“This is the land that’s never been sold, where work the hands, so wise and old, that reach through the water, clear and cold, into the mud to pick the taro to make the poi for our ohana’s luau.”
Bigmama’s
written and illustrated by Donald Crews
Greenwillow Books, 1998
Four children travel with their mother, and when the train arrives in Cottondale, Florida, the summer at Bigmama’s house begins! Donald Crews brilliantly evokes the sights, sounds, and emotions of a memorable childhood experience.
First Laugh, Welcome Baby!
written by Rose Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood
illustrated by Jonathan Nelson
Charlesbridge, 2018
In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child’s First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story?
The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyone — from Baby’s nima (mom) to nadi (big sister) to cheii (grandfather) — tries to elicit the joyous sound from Baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter includes information about other cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu), and aquiqa (Muslim).
Dinner on Domingos
written by Alexandra Katona
illustrated by Claudia Navarro
Barefoot Books, 2021
“This magical home turns a normal Sunday into domingo: the best day of the week.” Warm memories wash over a first-generation Latinx American girl as she experiences a typical Sunday night dinner at her Abuelita’s house. Readers are immersed in the rich ways love is expressed within this home: the delicious smells of Ecuadorian home cooking, dancing, hugging and playing games with aunts, uncles and cousins. As Alejandra thinks about all the good times her family has had there, she decides that she wants to be brave and try speaking Spanish with Abuelita so that they can deepen their bond.
Hanukkah Upside Down
written by Elissa Brent Weissman
illustrated by Omer Hoffmann
Harry N. Abrams, 2023
Sometimes, families who are far apart gather virtually. From their homes in New York and New Zealand, cousins Noah and Nora decide to have a competition. Winter versus summer: Who can have the world’s best Hanukkah? But as the eight nights of Hanukkah go on, the contest proves tougher than they imagined. Even as each cousin celebrates the holiday with their own unique traditions, they realize they have more in common than they thought.