Family

Isabell Monk's picture book sequel to Hope brings mixed-race protagonist Hope and her beloved Aunt Poogee to a big family gathering on the farm, and the result is a warm celebration of intergenerational African American family life. Relatives of every age and skin tone arrive bearing dishes, and Hope's contribution — pickles with peppermint sticks — earns its moment of joyful vindication. Janice Lee Porter's bold, richly coloured paintings carry the energy of the occasion beautifully. Reviewers noted the characters are somewhat lightly sketched, and readers new to the series would benefit from reading Hope first. But the book's main job is to show children a loving, diverse family gathered in celebration, and at that it more than succeeds.