The Relatives Came

I recently read "The Relatives Came", a picture book by Cynthia Rylant, and it left me feeling warm and nostalgic. The book beautifully captures the emotions of family visits and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. It’s the kind of story that resonates deeply, especially if you’ve ever experienced a big family gathering. What I Loved: Heartfelt Storytelling: The story is incredibly sweet and touching. It perfectly captures the excitement and chaos of family visits. From the moment the relatives arrive to the last goodbye, the book brings those familiar feelings of love and togetherness to life. I found myself smiling throughout, recalling my own memories of family gatherings. Rylant’s writing flows beautifully, making this book an emotional experience that feels both familiar and comforting. Warm, Inviting Illustrations: The illustrations by Stephen Gammell are a perfect complement to the text. The artwork is both colorful and expressive, capturing the essence of family in a way that enhances the narrative. The images feel full of life and energy, depicting the warmth and happiness of being surrounded by family. The lively scenes and the subtle details really brought the story to life in a way that made it even more special. Relatable and Joyful: What I found most enjoyable was how relatable the story is. Whether it’s the relatives arriving in a big, bustling car, the excitement of reuniting, or the funny little quirks of family gatherings, everything about this book felt familiar. It’s a wonderful reflection of the love and joy that can come from spending time with family, even if it’s a bit messy or overwhelming. This book taps into universal emotions, and I think anyone who has experienced a family visit will be able to relate. A Celebration of Family: At its core, "The Relatives Came" is a celebration of family, no matter how big or small, and the bonds that tie us together. The book captures both the ups and downs of family life, from the excitement of arrivals to the sadness of saying goodbye. There’s a genuine sense of love and connection that shines through in every page, making it not just a story, but a reminder of what’s truly important. A Few Considerations: Simple Narrative: The book’s narrative is fairly straightforward and simple, which works wonderfully for a picture book. However, if you’re looking for something with more complexity or a deeper storyline, this might not be the right fit. The beauty of the story lies in its simplicity and the way it taps into those universal experiences of family love, but it doesn’t offer a more intricate plot. Lack of Conflict: There’s very little conflict in the story, which isn’t a negative in itself—it’s part of the book’s charm. It’s just that if you’re someone who enjoys stories with more tension or challenges, this one may feel a bit too relaxed. The focus is more on the joy of the visit than any drama or emotional hurdles, which makes it a calm, comforting read. Final Thoughts: "The Relatives Came" is a beautifully written and illustrated book that captures the warmth, love, and humor of family gatherings. The simple but effective storytelling and the lively, colorful illustrations make it an enjoyable and heartwarming read. While it may not have a complex plot or much conflict, its true strength lies in its ability to evoke emotions and remind us of the special bonds we share with our loved ones. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and it’s a book that will stay on my shelf for years to come.

We got a smaller version of this book with a box of Cheerios. Not sure what happened to it, but I was very grateful to replace it through Amazon. This book is much larger than our first addition and the kids love it. Each time I've been with my grandson ... this is the book he always wants to read. The Relatives Came is well written and beautifully illustrated children's book. I bought it to read to my grandchildren, and now they are reading it to me! We absolutely love looking at the pictures, over and over. We talk about each person, in the family, and then we decide who of our family is who in the book. The kids fall asleep each time with smiles on their faces. I will do everything in my power to keep this book safe, so that someday ... my darlings can read this book to their grandchildren as well. We just love this book ♥ We got a smaller version of this book with a box of Cheerios. Not sure what happened to it, but I was very grateful to replace it through Amazon. This book is much larger than our first addition and the kids love it. Each time I've been with my grandson ... this is the book he always wants to read.

Kids and adults will enjoy this fun story about a visit from relatives. The illustrations are unique you'll want to just spend some time on each just to take in all the details.

Bought this to give as a trick or treat gift instead of candy to a special boy. I love this book, I’ve bought several for gifts.

Love Rylant’s children’s books. She draws a mental picture of a treasured family visit. Of course, I may be prejudiced toward this West Virginia-raised author.

I ordered two of these for our big family reunion. I read it to the kids a few times and they all loved talking about they each got there. They also loved pointing out funny things in the pictures. I decided to give the second one to my grandchildren.

I was pleased with the book I received but I ordered 2. I haven’t been able to make successful contact with the company to get the second book

Growing up, my mom would tell us stories about her family's trips to visit relatives, and this story, right down to eating all the melons and strawberries, is exactly how it happened. It's a if one of our relatives wrote the book. This touched my heart. My daughters love the illustrations and the story as well. It is a family favorite and I'll be buying it for my mom, aunts, and uncle to remind them of their summers growing up.

What a wonderful book about family by a lovely writer who doesn’t disappoint. Illustrations are humourous and living!

Beautiful book

This isn't just a children's book! It's hilarious and so true to life. :D The author and illustrator are so amazing for coming up with this story. I think most people can relate.

Gentle, cosy and a tid bit sad. Beautifully illustrated, a must-have. The book got a Caldecott Honor award, which initially always suggests amazingness. And it was. Made me want to get my pencils out and draw. Or just pack a bag and go to Virginia.

Great resource for a mentor text for memory story writing.