A Family Story - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 2 Rachel and little Annie had that unique relationship that only relatives can have; the bond grew as they did. Rachel outgrew her pink dress, and Annie saved it, wearing it to Rachel's wedding. When Rachel had a baby, Annie became the ``big girl'' and continued those special ties with her new niece Louise. Annie cut her hair, and Louise saved the ribbons for when her own hair grew long enough to wear them. Aunt Annie got married and had Jane, who became Louise's special friend. . . . This is a warm, loving look at the rare and wonderful relationships between big girls and little girls, made especially nice by placing it in the context of family. Liberal use of yellows gives the gouache and colored pencil illustrations a sunny, spring-like look. Wide margins framed with a single pencil line lend an impression of a family photo album; smiling faces fill the simple, almost childlike, drawings. Books about family relationships abound; some, like Elaine Edelman's I Love My Baby Sister. . .Most of the Time (Lothrop, 1984) deal with the continuing bond between sisters. A Family Story is special in its portrayal of bonds that cross generations. Lucy Young Clem, Evansville Vanderburgh County Public Library, Ind.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Weiss's new picture book celebrates love in this softspoken and endearing telling. Rachel and her baby sister Annie are instant best friends, and the bond persists through the years. Grownup Annie, her sister's bridesmaid, later assumes the role of teacher-companion to Rachel's child Louise; Louise is there when Aunt Annie's daughter Jane is born . . . "and so on." Appealing but not at all sentimental, Weiss's story is graced by her familiar artwork. Pictures in pastel colors illustrate the good friends' exhilarating and often funny escapades on Halloween, at summer camp, playing dress-upgenerations of memorable occasions. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.