MEET THE FAMILY

There’s nothing like family—especially this one.

What a remarkable, multitalented group the unseen narrator’s family is. Who wouldn’t want to meet this bunch? There’s a plethora of exceptional aunts, uncles, and cousins of varying ages who accomplish all sorts of marvelous feats, including performing magic tricks; fearlessly crawling and climbing everything and everywhere; baking (and eating) delectable pastries; executing acrobatic hijinks in the supermarket; parading around in marvelous, inventive costumes; teaching mice to dance; and swaying among lush vegetation with wild abandon. The narrator of this quirky British import describes these fascinating relatives’ exploits in bouncy, witty verses that flow well (and include some British spellings and turns of phrase). Though the rather abrupt ending falls flat, still, Blake’s trademark loose, whimsical watercolors burst with humor, expressiveness, and dynamic exuberance. Characters have a range of skin tones. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Breezy family fun.