Genre One - Picture Books

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Prigger, Mary Skillings. 1999. AUNT MINNIE MCGRANAHAN. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York. Clarion Books. ISBN 039582270X

PLOT SUMMARY
Aunt Minnie McGranahan was a very tidy and organized lady. She had a system to run her house and garden and it worked very well. Then one day her nine orphaned nieces and nephews come to live in her carefully planned world. Despite her neighbors feelings of impending disaster, she succeeds in teaching all of the children her systems and life becomes even neater and tidier in the McGranahan household.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A picture book for older children, Aunt Minnie McGranahan is as touching as it is humerous a story. Based on real life events this book is wonderful reading for any child who lives in a non traditional family situation. Even though the events are set in the 1920's, the book has a contemporay feel. The illustrations by Betsy Lewin add touches of humor by showing the children helping with chores and waiting in line for the "johnny house." These colorful pictures though simple add a rich detail that complements the sweet story of family.

This is definitly a book for children who are in Kindergarten and above. It is a great story about family and adapting to situations that are beyond our control.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal - "Design elements unite the text and pictures."
Parents' Choice Award
Booklist, ALA - "warm and funny."
Kirkus Reviews - "This story is a sweet and simple song of grace, love, and responsibilities met; it will leave children aglow and adults in tears,"

CONNECTIONS
There are other Aunt Minnie books and this can help interest children in "series" books.
This can be a great tool in helping children learn about extended family and other non traditional types of families.
This would also be a way to introduce other "eras" i.e. the 1920's, to young children.