Here Come the Aunties!

The delightful refrain of the title weaves throughout the text of this gleeful story. Various aunties, from many walks of life, are discussed with a real sense of gratitude and personality, alluding to a society where women are the backbone of support and care. Each auntie shows up for various events, and for various reasons, developing the theme that the women of the family are there to care for every child through all walks of life. Some aunties are old, some are young, all are there to cheer the child on. The term "auntie" doesn't have to mean a biological aunt, but it does mean there's always someone to have the child's back. This appealing sentiment is common value in many cultures. Smith, a well-known author of Indigenous stories, allows the joy of her subject to shine through. That's the emotion that threads through the illustrations as well. Aphelandra carefully incorporates Indigenous American elements throughout, including artifacts and clothing. Each item resonates, while even the color palette brings to mind Indigenous cultures, in a design that is both purposeful and successful. VERDICT A raucous and rousing profile of aunties, this is a story to be enjoyed across cultures and grade ranges.

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A rapturous reflection on community worth holding close to one's heart. Each auntie is so vibrantly imagined that it feels like you might know her yourself.

"Thoughtful and heartwarming, this encourages readers to reflect on the people who nurture and shape their own lives. Together, the story and art convey a deep sense of belonging and cultural pride,
reminding readers that families are strengthened by shared care and tradition...great for reading aloud."

A wealth of aunties contribute to an Indigenous child's day-to-day in this lovingly communal picture book portrait. Celebratory text introduces the relatives offering support across settings and skill sets as Auntie Abby visits young River's family to help with the family garden, Auntie Meg takes cousins fishing, Auntie Emma teaches children about their heritage, and Auntie Kylie gives a thrilled River a pair of handmade moccasins. Muscogee Nation citizen Smith (Jingle Dancer) clearly models the joys and benefits of extended bonds across everyday occurrences (bus rides, meals shared) and significant life events (a wedding, a time of mourning). And when River graduates the second grade and the child's family welcomes a new baby, the aunties are there to cheer everyone on--as River says to the infant, "Here come the aunties!" Ink, gouache, and digital illustrations from Oneida Nation of Wisconsin descendent Aphelandra (The Heartbeat Drum) employ saturated color blocks to portray individual interactions that build to a rich vision of loving interdependence. Characters are depicted with various skin tones. An author's note indicates that River is of Muscogee heritage. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown Ltd. (Feb.)

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