A book rich in Latino heritage, this award-winner features a large, festive group of cousins. One by one, each cousin is introduced. Readers learn about their various skills, talents and hobbies. Even though they are close relatives, every individual has a different skin tone, height, personality type and other unique characteristics. But what they do have in common is a deep love for one another which is apparent when they gather for a family party at the end.
Best Picture Books To Give Cousins
Kids lucky enough to grow up with cousins understand their good fortune. Family get-togethers, including aunts and uncles and all their offspring,are like parties with all your best friends. Every single birthday and holiday is extra fun since the kids can slip away and play into the wee hours of the night. Vacations to the beach, mountains, or pretty much any destination are memory-making events that cousins will reflect on for the rest of their lives. Even when they grow older and move apart, they have a strong bond and close connection that is easily rekindled every reunion. We've gathered a list of the best kids books about cousins that capture all the ways these special people interact, love, and support each other.
Children's Stories Featuring Bond Between Cousins
Some kids grow up with their cousins who are part of their daily lives. Others have long-distance relationships whom they see only occasionally. Kids will be fascinated to learn all sorts of facts about cousins,and all the branches they fill on the family tree. Sometimes kids are even surprised by the sudden appearance of relatives they never knew existed! All of these picture books about cousins tell heartwarming stories of these special relationships. These incredible stories capture the diverse spirit and relationships of from all walks of life.
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin
Although raised in separate countries, two cousins learn that they share many common interests. Through a series of letters exchanged between the boys, Charlie and Carlitos, readers learn about all the similarities and differences in their everyday lives. The story is written in English with Spanish words introduced throughout. This book about the incredible bond between cousins will resonate particularly with immigrant children who have cousins in their home country.
When Winter Robeson Came
A stirring, middle-grade novel set in Los Angeles. In 1965, Winter leaves Mississippi to visit his cousin, Eden, in the midst of the Watts Riots. The kids find themselves in the middle of the violent and dangerous drama that plays out in the city. Meanwhile, Winter is determined to find out more about the disappearance of his father from this part of the city several years prior. This heartbreaking story has an ending that will surprise readers. A moving chapter about the powerful relationship of family, especially cousins, who are eternally connected.
The Lost Cousins
A brilliantly illustrated and captivating seek-and-find storybook. It begins with a scene where a grandfather is looking through a photo album with a few of his grandchildren. It occurs to him that they have never met many of their cousins. So off they go on a journey to many countries, traversing a wide variety of landscapes and cultures. Readers will enjoy soaking in all the colorful details and searching for hidden objects on every page.
We Are Cousins / Somos Primos
This picture book in both English and Spanish covers all the good and bad parts of being a cousin. A big group of cousins plays together and enjoys snuggling up on their abuelo's lap for story time. They also get angry and fight from time to time, just like siblings. They are joined together by all their mothers who are sisters and their bond is so very special. Lots of fun chaos is captured across the pages, effectively conveying all the love and joy shared amongst cousins.
When the Cousins Came
Most children have experienced the disappointment when things don't go according to plan. This is the story of Lila, who has all kinds of fun things to do when her cousins come to visit. But when Takeo and Rosie arrive, they have skateboards instead of bikes and have no interest in camping outside. Things go from bad to worse when the cousins turn out to be much better painters than Lila. Fortunately, the day is saved when Takeo and Rosie make a banner pronouncing Lila the "best cousin ever" and she learns a lesson in adjusting her expectations.
Henry and Mudge and the Careful Cousin
Henry and his furry best friend, Mudge, are eager for Cousin Annie to visit. Unfortunately, Annie is not fond of Mudge's doggy kisses and is not impressed with Henry's fish tank. Despite feeling discouraged, the group tries to find something they can enjoy together. It turns out that a game of frisbee is what saves the day.
When My Cousins Come to Town
Summer is an exciting time for this little girl. Her large group of cousins come to visit for her birthday. This extended family brings boundless amounts of love, energy, and fun. Their antics are amusing and each one has earned a special nickname, except for the birthday girl. But this year will be different. She is determined to stand out and finally earn her very own nickname, just like the others!
Cupcake Cousins
This is the first story in an early-reader chapter book series about cousins Willow and Delia. The girls are excited for an upcoming wedding, but not so thrilled about the frilly dresses they are expected to wear. So, they put their cupcake-baking skills to the test in an effort to get out of wearing the uncomfortable lacy frocks. This fast read is full of funny antics that occur when a large family gathers for a celebration. The book includes delicious recipes for the cupcakes made by these cute relatives.
Dozens of Cousins
This is a group of cousins that knows how to have some fun! They show up uninvited, gobble up all the food, and head outdoors for hours and hours of action-packed adventure. They love each other unabashedly, play games of "truth or dare" and cause quite a stir with their chaotic, frenzied activity. Quite a fun book to read to a child who may recognize some of his or her own spunky cousins in these zany characters.
Houndsey and Catina and Cousin Wagster
A short, illustrated chapter book about what happens when Cousin Wagster visits. He is full of energy and spirit, and at first Houndsley is happy to see him. But after a few days, Houndsley starts to feel uneasy. Wagster is interesting, entertaining, and good at so many things. In fact, all of Houndsley's friends are enamored with Wagster, and he wonders if they will even want to be his friend anymore. A cute story about friendship, jealousy and cousins!
Goodnight Ellie, Goodnight Marguerite
A darling book about two baby cousins who grow up to be best friends, despite the miles that separate them. Pastel watercolor illustrations show these cherubs as they move through various milestones in synch with one another. Short, sweet rhyming text will keep the attention of preschoolers who have some special cousins of their own.
Cousins
This cute book depicts a family tree with little squirrels climbing on all the various branches. It's a great way to show children who how all of their many cousins are connected. A US map is included for families to show children where all their cousins live. There is also an empty family tree where kids can personalize the story with the names of their own cousins. A sweet keepsake book for cousins everywhere.
Eight Cousins
A classic novel by Louisa May Alcott about Rose Campbell, a young girl who is mourning the recent death of her father. This thirteen year old moves from her comfortable home to "The Aunt Hill", a house lovingly named in honor of her six aunts who reside there. Not only must Rose adjust to this large group of women fussing over her, she is faced with living under the same roof as 13 loud and crazy male cousins. Feminist issues open opportunities to reflect on how much has changed since the book was first published more than 100 years ago.
25 Reasons Why I Love My Baby Cousin
This adorable keepsake book is perfect for any child who has recently welcomed a brand new cousin into the family. Every single page provides a prompt and then ample room for a cousin to personalize a written response. There is also plenty of space to add photographs. A wonderful gift for a little cousin's birthday, holiday, or other special occasion.
Cousins Forever
Thanks to modern technology, two cousins who are separated by thousands of miles stay connected. The girls spent the first several years of their lives together. But when one of the cousins moves to a distant country with her family, the girls are distraught. Through video chat, their bond remains intact. They share everything that happens in their days, artwork, and other important moments. A wonderful story especially for children who move far away from their beloved cousins.
Just Me and My Cousin
Sometimes a cousin can be just like an annoying older sibling. Such is the case with Little Critter. His cousin visits him for the afternoon, and truth be told, the day plays out miserably. The two get into some trouble, thanks to the cousin, and there is quite a bit of bullying and antagonizing. But at the end of the day, the cousin feels a sense of remorse and writes a note of apology. The naughty parts will elicit a few giggles from little readers who may happen to have a cousin just like the one in this book.
Loretta's Gift
Aunt Esme and Uncle Jax just had a new baby, and cousin Loretta couldn't be more excited. In fact, she has been trying to think of the best possible gift to give her baby cousin, Gabe. But like a lot of newborns, Gabe has received so many generous presents from all of his parents' friends and family members. Finally, Loretta comes to the realization that her love and attention more important than anything she could buy for baby Gabe.
Forever Cousins
Not only are Kara and Amanda best friends, they are also cousins. Growing up together, they enjoyed powow dancing, beautiful sunflowers, and delicious chokeberry jam. But then one day Kara and her family move to the reservation while Amanda stays in the city. The girls stay in touch through letters but each one is secretly nervous that their friendship is fading. When they reunite at a family reunion one year later, the cousins are relieved their love for each other just as strong as before.
King Kong's Cousin
Junior and King Kong are cousins but they couldn't be more different. Kong bravely scales tall buildings. Junior is terrified of heights. Kong does what he wants, when he wants. Junior is always stuck doing chores. When Junior's cat climbs a tree and cannot get down, he has to channel his big cousin's bravado and rescue his beloved pet. This story will most definitely resonate with every little cousin who spends childhood looking up to the older cousins.
In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen
The first book in the Cobblestreet Cousins series is a sweet story about three cousins spending the summer at their aunt's house. Lily, Tess, and Rosie shares lots of secrets and dreams about the future. They also decide to start a cookie business to make a little money over the summer. A pleasant outcome is meeting some very special neighbors along the way. This easy-reader chapter book is a great transition for kids beginning to read independently.
Ginger Green + Cousins = Total Chaos!
A black and white illustrated chapter book about a special visit from out-of-town cousins. Ginger Green cannot wait until Tess and Tom arrive. She is a tad worried about what they will think of her since they are coming from New York City. When they finally arrive, the duo brings a whole lot of trouble into Ginger's small home. A fun book for any child whose cousins are full of a bit too much energy.
100 Cupboards
A fast-paced mystery book for middle grade readers about a pair of cousins who are drawn into a dark and unsettling place in search of answers. When Henry hears strangs sounds behind the wall of his bedroom, he removes the plaster to find a series of cupboard doors. These doors each open into a world of strange, unexplainable people and events. Henry wants to keep them shut tight, but when his curious cousin Henrietta boldly passes through the threshold, he has no choice but to follow.
The Cousins
A best-selling young adult novel about a complicated and mysterious family torn apart by a grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited her children at a young age and moved to an island to buy a resort. Years later, each of her grandchildren receives an unexpected invitation to come live on the island for the summer. Their parents think this is an opportunity to restore their family, but the cousins quickly learn that there are dark, hidden secrets that are perhaps better left alone.
The Feather Chase
When two cousins who have nothing in common find themselves in the middle of a mystery, they have no choice but to work together. Sophie and Jessica, both twelve years old, couldn't be more different. One enjoys outdoor activities in her small town while the other prefers shopping and experiencing life in a big city. One day they accidentally stumble upon a briefcase with something very important inside, and soon become entrapped in a tangled web. Putting their differences aside, the cousins come together to solve the crime before it's too late.
My Cousins, My Friends
A lovely tribute to cousins that tugs at the heartstrings and reminds these relatives of the special bond they share. The beautiful, bilingual picture book is written in flowing verse that describes the unique love and friendship cousins from all over the world share. Inscribe a message inside the cover for your favorite cousins as a gift that will warm their hearts and remind them of you.
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