In her picture-book debut, the author--as Donald Crews did in Bigmama's (1991, ALA Notable)--re-creates the childhood experience of coming from a northern city to visit relatives in the rural South. Ernestine travels alone ("that ole train" costs so much), and is heartily welcomed by her aunt and uncle but takes a little longer to feel comfortable with cousin Jack (he teases). Still, they make peace before it's time to go home. The author's warm narration is nicely enhanced with realistic dialogue and details; her husband's dappled, impressionistic art depicts a thriving, affectionate African-American farm family, beautifully capturing the subtleties of their interactions and Ernestine's growing confidence in her new surroundings. (Picture book. 5-9)
