Cobble Street Cousins
In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen, A Little Shopping, and Special Gifts
In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen
Rylant, Cynthia. In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen. Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin. Simon & Schuster, 1998. 64 pages. ISBN: 0-689-81711-8.
The first book of the Cobble Street Cousins series, In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen, introduces three endearing cousins, Rosie, Lily and Tess who live in their kind and attractive aunt’s cozy attic while their parents tour the world as ballet dancers.
Cynthia Rylant, Newberry Medalist, maintains the reader’s interest simply by combining efficient well conceived plots with plenty of exciting exploits. The cousins’ adventures include starting a thriving cookie business, befriending a lonely elderly woman, and arranging an impressive talent program all while attempting to set their Aunt up with sweet, shy Michael!
Rylant develops the girls each with her own very distinct personality and talents (Lily likes to write poems, Rosie enjoys stained glass, and Tess loves music), allowing young readers to connect with the pleasant characters.
The soft pencil and watercolor illustrations strewn throughout the pages by acclaimed artist Wendy Anderson Halperin add a warm and inviting touch to this charming transitional book that children aged 7 to10 will enjoy.
A Little Shopping
Rylant, Cynthia. A Little Shopping. Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin. Simon & Schuster, 1998. 56 pages. ISBN: 0-689-81710-X
The fun continues in the second Ready for Chapters book in the Cobble Street Cousin series, A Little Shopping. Nine year old cousins Rose, Lilly and Tess decide they want to create “something amazing”. The cousins agree to create a dollhouse, an exact replica of Aunt Lucy’s flower shop, with the help of Michael, Aunt Lucy’s new sweetheart. The girls cut, paste, paint, decorate, build and include a surprise that even Michael doesn’t expect!
Special Gifts
Rylant, Cynthia. Special Gifts. Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin. Simon & Schuster, 2000. 64 pages. ISBN: 0-689-81715-0.
In Special Gifts, the third delightful book in the Cobble Street Cousins, Rylant delivers yet another engaging title perfect for children transitioning between easy readers and chapter books. With three weeks off for winter vacation, the girls have plenty of time on their hands to be creative.
Rose, Lilly, and Tess ask their neighbor, Mrs. White, to teach them how to sew pillows, dolls, and vests. Sweet, shy Michael invites Aunt Lucy and the girls over to celebrate Winter Solstice. As a gift to Michael, Tess sings a song, Lily creates a winter poem and Rosie makes pastry puffs. This charming chapter book is a celebration of individual strengths and a pleasant lesson about the value of teamwork.
