Imagine your house on an ordinary day. Now imagine an invasion of vistors stampeding into your house. But these aren't just any type of visitors. They are your relatives. Do you notice the noise level quickly rising? In The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant, this is exactly what happens.
Filled to capacity, the loaded-down station wagon makes its way from Virgina to the north side of the mountains. If kids have ever been on a long road trip, they can relate to this family who packs their car and heads off at dawn on an all-day travel extravaganza. Upon arrival, relatives reuniting makes for a happy sight filled with hugs, laughter, and story-telling. The big meals, the lack of beds, and the busy bustle of activity are all part of the experience.
Cynthia Rylant captures the experience delightfully with her writing style. The illustrator, Stephan Gummel, also deserves credit for his come-to-life pictures as the reader experiences the joy and the heartfelt, good nature of relatives enjoying one another's company. There's never a dull moment with that many people around.
I feel as though kids can easily relate to this story. This story reminded me of cousins who spend time with the other side of their family every other Christmas. Thirty people cram into a ranch-style home in rural Minnesota that has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Kids and adults alike sleep in sleeping bags on the floor. Despite all of this, they always say how much fun they had. Even for me where family holidays don't have quite that many people, there's still plenty of hustle and bustle. Put together my mom's side of the family and soon you will be consumed by their loud, booming voices and hearty laughter that carries on all day long. After reading The Relatives Came, I'm sure the majority of students will have a similar story to share. Bring out the pencil and paper!
Filled to capacity, the loaded-down station wagon makes its way from Virgina to the north side of the mountains. If kids have ever been on a long road trip, they can relate to this family who packs their car and heads off at dawn on an all-day travel extravaganza. Upon arrival, relatives reuniting makes for a happy sight filled with hugs, laughter, and story-telling. The big meals, the lack of beds, and the busy bustle of activity are all part of the experience.
Cynthia Rylant captures the experience delightfully with her writing style. The illustrator, Stephan Gummel, also deserves credit for his come-to-life pictures as the reader experiences the joy and the heartfelt, good nature of relatives enjoying one another's company. There's never a dull moment with that many people around.
I feel as though kids can easily relate to this story. This story reminded me of cousins who spend time with the other side of their family every other Christmas. Thirty people cram into a ranch-style home in rural Minnesota that has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Kids and adults alike sleep in sleeping bags on the floor. Despite all of this, they always say how much fun they had. Even for me where family holidays don't have quite that many people, there's still plenty of hustle and bustle. Put together my mom's side of the family and soon you will be consumed by their loud, booming voices and hearty laughter that carries on all day long. After reading The Relatives Came, I'm sure the majority of students will have a similar story to share. Bring out the pencil and paper!
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