The Relatives Came
What’s inside...
The relatives' station wagon was a vibrant and spacious vehicle that accommodated a large, diverse crowd during a summer trip to visit family on the north side of the mountains. Upon arriving, the joyful group settled into their relatives' home, filling it with laughter, music, and hugs, and stayed for several weeks. The story, depicted through Cynthia Rylant's words and Stephen Gammell's illustrations, celebrates the delightful reunion of two sides of a family coming together. In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came. When they arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars. When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the relatives felt when they visited? Can you share a time when you felt similar during a family gathering?
What are some ways the family in the story shows they care about each other?
Why do you think it's important to have family visits? What do you enjoy most about them?
How did the relatives help each other in the story? Can you think of ways we help our family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate the questions to your own family experiences to make the conversation more personal and relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about family gatherings and any memorable moments they recall.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out non-verbal cues of emotion and ask your child what they think the characters might be feeling in those moments.
Highlight the importance of kindness and support within a family, as shown in the book, and ask your child how they feel these values are important in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: The story depicts a large family reunion, showcasing the joy and warmth of being surrounded by relatives. The affectionate interactions among family members highlight the significance of family connections.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships with their family members, understanding the joy and support these bonds bring to their lives.
Example Lesson: Sharing and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, family members share resources and spaces, demonstrating cooperation. This collaborative spirit is evidenced as they sleep together in a crowded house and share meals.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice sharing and cooperating in communal settings such as school or during playdates, promoting harmony and collective enjoyment.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural traditions
Explanation: The reunion serves as an occasion for the family to engage in traditional activities and meals together, emphasizing cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in and appreciate their own family's cultural practices, enhancing their understanding of personal identity and history.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the joy of togetherness
Explanation: The excitement and happiness expressed by the characters during the family's visit highlights the emotional benefits of spending time with loved ones.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to cherish time spent with family and friends, understanding that personal interactions contribute significantly to emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: The family adjusts to the crowded living conditions with positivity, showcasing adaptability and resilience in less than ideal circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and resilient when faced with new or challenging situations, helping them to overcome obstacles and maintain a positive outlook.