Summer Is for Cousins - by Rajani Larocca (Hardcover)

About the Book

Ravi spends summer vacation with his cousins sharing in all their favorite activities, including eating ice cream.

Book Synopsis

From Newbery honor author Rajani LaRocca and illustrator Abhi Alwar comes a celebration of extended family and summertime fun expressed in a picture book full of joyful, color art.

Summer is for cousins.
Mom and Dad,
Two uncles, two aunties,
Thatha and Pati,
Seven cousins,
All of us are together.

Ravi can't wait to spend summer vacation at the lake house with his family--especially his cousins! Summer vacation is for days at the beach, long hikes, paddleboarding, and--of course--ice cream. Ravi and his oldest cousin, Dhruv, had the same favorite flavor last year, but everything feels different now.

Dhruv's much taller and his voice is deeper. Ravi's worried that Dhruv won't be interested in spending time with him, the little cousin. The ice cream shop doesn't even have their favorite flavor this year. But on the last night of vacation, the cousins decide to make dinner, and Ravi's in charge of dessert. He only has one special thing in mind!

This picture book all about summertime fun celebrates the resilient bond between extended family members.

Review Quotes

***STARRED REVIEW***
"A gorgeous ode to change, growth, togetherness, and family."--Kirkus Reviews

***STARRED REVIEW***
"While the book is richer for its inclusion of elements reflecting LaRocca and Alwar's Indian American heritage, it really shines in its depiction of a happy, extended family gathering, which is universally recognizable. A fond picture-book celebration of summer days and family ties."--Booklist

"[T]his narrative speaks particularly strongly to families who come together from far away for a special week every year...a fun book"--School Library Journal

This story, with its irresistible atmosphere, shows how to realize and share the delights of the season.--Horn Book

About the Author

Rajani LaRocca is a physician and an author of books for young readers, such as Midsummer's Mayhem and Seven Golden Rings. She won a Newbery honor in 2022 for her novel Red, White, and Whole. She was born in Bangalore, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was very young. She now lives in eastern Massachusetts with her family.
Abhi Alwar is an Indian American illustrator and designer based in New York City. She is the illustrator of Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates, written by Cheryl Klein.