Mauntie and Me - by Rajani Larocca (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Every Saturday, when Priya's aunties and uncles and cousins come over, the other kids run off to play together, leaving Priya behind. But she doesn't mind, because she gets to have her favorite aunt, Mauntie-short for My Auntie-all to herself. Until, that is, her older cousin Aditi comes to visit and wants to share Mauntie's attention. Priya doesn't want to share-she wants things to go back to the way they were! With Mauntie's help, can she find a way to ease her feelings of jealousy and make room in their family duo for one more? Nadia Alam's artwork details a cozy home and a big, loving family in this sweet story by Rajani LaRocca of taming cousin rivalry that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out or struggled to share something precious"--

Book Synopsis

What grows when you share it? A tender story of extended family, jealousy pangs, and above all love, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of I'll Go and Come Back.

Every Saturday, when Priya's aunties and uncles and cousins come over, the other kids run off to play together, leaving Priya behind. But she doesn't mind, because she gets to have her favorite aunt, Mauntie--short for My Auntie--all to herself. Until, that is, her older cousin Aditi comes to visit and wants to share Mauntie's attention. Priya doesn't want to share--she wants things to go back to the way they were! With Mauntie's help, can she find a way to ease her feelings of jealousy and make room in their family duo for one more? Nadia Alam's artwork details a cozy home and a big, loving family in this sweet story by Rajani LaRocca of taming cousin rivalry that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out or struggled to share something precious.

Review Quotes

A gentle exploration of shifting family dynamics.
--Kirkus Reviews

LaRocca offers a realistic, sensitive portrayal of Priya's emotional pain and her ability to rise above it. The third-person narrative reads aloud well and, like the digital-and-pencil artwork, captures the warmth of individual relationships within a large family.
--Booklist

[An] insightful tale about shifting relationships.
--Publishers Weekly

This is a beautiful and relatable homage to the special relationship between aunts and nieces. The illustrations are warm and lovely, and my heart melted at the tender scenes between aunt and nieces.
--Book Riot

About the Author

Rajani LaRocca was born in Bangalore, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was a baby. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor Book Red, White, and Whole and the picture books I'll Go and Come Back, illustrated by Sara Palacios, and Masala Chai, Fast and Slow, illustrated by Neha Rawat. Rajani LaRocca lives in eastern Massachusetts with her family. Find her online at www.rajanilarocca.com

Nadia Alam is a first-generation Bangladeshi Canadian illustrator whose work reflects the intersection of illustration arts, education, and social justice. She lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, son, and dog named Momo. Find her online at www.nadiaalamillustration.com.