My Family Tree and Me

PreS-Gr 2—As this unique book so ably displays, one's family tree may have unusual branches from far-reaching places and different traditions. The story pulls readers in with its front and back covers of family members perched on their part of the family tree. Multigenerations of a boy's family start on one side with his father's close relatives and on the other side with his mother's family, beginning with his great-great-grandparents and converging in a current family portrait at the book's center. Lightly inked and washed with watercolor, each small family grouping forms the background portrait of a succeeding generation—figures in the clothing of their day with detailed surroundings that hint of their history. Small hand-drawn arrows in the page corners and instructions along the edges direct readers to the next page, and the next, or advise them of the best way to view the other side of the family. Children may even spot family features within this diverse group: the final portrait of multi-ethnic and non-traditional family members includes a wide range of ages (from newborn to grandparents), parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, partners, the family dogs, and the boy's neighborhood friend. Brief text follows a pattern and adds humor.