The Relative Came by Cynthia Rylant

 

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. The Relative Came by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Stephen Gammell was published in 1985. This book has a Caldecott Medal Nominee in 1986, Keystone to Reading Book Award in 1987, California Young Readers Medal Nominee for Primary in 1990. 

This book is really simple and the illustrations are different then you would find in the more recent books that are coming out. But I have always loved the look that someone took the time and actually drew it. The illustrations are bright and colorful and really fit the amazing story. The story is best for preschoolers or younger. But this book is perfect for talking about how different types of relatives are visiting. I highly recommend that you check out this book. 

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