Every child should have a favorite aunt or uncle. Ms. Gaines's simple story reflects on the relationship between the niece and the aunt. It is obvious by their actions that there exists a strong bond between the two.

Children will relate to the easily recognizable activities involved in the preparation and execution of the trip. The story also demonstrates, in the subtle manner, the independence of women. I find that aspect of the book to be one of its strengths.

The illustrations clearly show the story's subject matter. Aunt Martha is a very attractive young woman who appears to be successful; the niece is an average child with braids and "glowing" eyes. Some of the drawings are reminiscent of camera angles.

In true picture book fashion, there is a minimum of words. However, this does not lessen the book's value. Given the proper motivation, the young reader can supply HIS/HER own words to the captivating illustrations on the pages.

Beautiful illustrations trace the journey of a young girl and her aunt as they travel to North Carolina in the aunt's new car. Very easy to read and a truly heartwarming story.

Great gift for people who are adopting. Steven Kellogg is one of our favorite illustrators- makes book very inviting!

Jeannette Caines explores one young girls awful secret in "Chilly Stomach". It is a subject that often goes untouched, but unfortunately some children are found in similar situations. In this story, a young girl does not like the way her uncle kisses her, but she is afraid to tell her parents. So, she tells a friend instead, who she hopes will tell her mother. Then, hopefully, the mother will tell her parents. It is a "chilly" story.

Doris is shopping for her first grade school supplies. Her parents buy her a new raincoat, pencils, and a lunch box. Her little brother is certain he needs a lunch box just as much as Doris. He dreams about a different lunch box for every day of the week. In the end he gets his lunch box and a hug from his sister. This brightly illustrated book is a simple story about family and sibling rivalry.

Illustrated and written by the same duo that created the award winning book Just us Women, the non-library bound version has an illustration of the Boy, whose story this is, on the front. Apparently Amazon.com does not carry that version. It also has a write-up about the committment of Caines and Cummings to creating books that are role models for black children. That is the copy I purchased.

The 3 rating is based on the fact that, as a reader and storyteller, I prefer imaginative stories.