Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A joyously sunny celebration of family, fun, and change.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A young boy describes the pleasures of a vacation with extended family in SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS. Ravi narrates and begins by introducing everyone. There's Mom and Dad, two uncles, two aunties, grandparents, and seven cousins. He is second youngest. The setting is established right off. "We go to a house that's not any of ours near the ocean and a lake." Enjoying a special relationship with his oldest cousin, Ravi goes on to tell about all the kids' and their many activities. They go for ice cream, play at the beach, go paddleboarding, hike, golf, swim, take turns on a rope swing, bike, read, nap, do puzzles, and share the cooking. After the kids prepare dinner, "All of us enjoy the meal together." Ravi faces a child-like problem beneath all the action: At the outset of summer, he does not find his favorite flavor at the ice cream stand. Solution: In the end, he prepares a special treat for everyone. In conclusion, Ravi declares, "Summer is for cousins. And ice cream."
Is It Any Good?
Family, summer, fun, and change are joyously celebrated in this most enchanting picture book, Summer Is for Cousins. As the second youngest cousin in his extended family, Ravi serves as narrator, describing vacation activities, shared time together, warm beach and lake days, and finally change over time. His oldest cousin has grown tall, his voice deepening. Ravi has grown braver, willing to try the rope swing at the lake. The action-packed digital art accommodates lots of movement as well as tons of love, universal experiences captured in the particulars that Ravi provides. Readers will feel like they are right there, soaking up the sun and rejoicing in the warmth of a loving family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Summer Is for Cousins and all the fun that summer can bring. What is your favorite part of summer? Your least favorite part?
Do you have cousins? If so, do you get to see them often? Do you get to play with them? Why are cousins often special to one another?
In the story, the kids and grown-ups take turns making dinner and often work in teams. What activities do you do that are better because of teamwork?
The narrator, Ravi, describes the fun of summer vacation with his cousins. He does not say so, but he seems grateful for them. What are you grateful for?
Ravi tries the rope swing for the first time. He shows courage. Have you recently tried something for the first time? How did it go?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Abhi Alwar
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 16, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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