My Cousins, My World

My Cousins, My World by Sharara Attai, illustrated by Michelle Pereira (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761180972

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A girl has lots of cousins; some live nearby, and others are on the other side of the world. But whenever the cousins get together, they always have a fun time. They go camping and eat sushi and have sing-offs, and they promise that they will always stick together. Because cousins are ‘our first friends, our best friends, our forever friends’.

Aimed at kids aged four to eight – but suitable for anyone with one, two or even twenty cousins who light up their lives – Sharara Attai’s story is dripping with delicious moments and memories. The multicultural nature of many families is elegantly expressed in the array of names, foods and languages sprinkled throughout the text. Young readers will come away from this book with a fresh appreciation for the singular joy found within strong familial bonds.

Muted hues of mustard, crimson, indigo and olive add a nostalgic air to Michelle Pereira’s charming illustrations. The smiles of the diverse characters spread warmth across the pages and straight into readers’ hearts. With every new image, it becomes more and more clear that cousins are worth celebrating.

At once unique and universal, My Cousins, My World is an ideal book for sharing with loved ones. Every reading generates a wealth of recollections that will strengthen connections into the future.