THE BIG ONCE-A-YEAR BROUSSARD-BOUCHARD FAMILY REUNION

Every year Alaine and her parents join relatives from near and far for the Broussard-Bouchard family reunion.

They’ll be staying with Great-Aunt Belle and Great-Aunt Charmaine and their cat, Big Boy. Despite her great-aunts’ warning, Alaine inadvertently lets the cat out—a mistake that threatens to dampen her joy as reunion preparations get underway. Isolating herself on a nearby bench, Alaine watches as family members play dominoes, jump double Dutch, and gather food. Finally, the highlight of the day begins: a round of zydeco music. Some play their instruments, while others dance. When her parents invite her to dance, she forgets all about Big Boy. The unique zydeco music, with its roots in African American and Louisiana Creole tradition, is the heartbeat of this loving Black family’s gathering. As people disperse, Alaine and her parents return to Great-Aunt Belle and Great-Aunt Charmaine’s house and find the cat she’s been so worried about on the front porch. With much relief, she settles down for the night as their event-filled day concludes. This simple family story is rich in specific cultural detail that enlivens the narrative. Alaine’s concern over her mistake with the cat adds just enough tension to engage younger readers. Barber-Opp adds lively, beautifully flowing art rendered in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil. The author’s note provides useful information about the special heritage and nature of zydeco music.

Energetic text and zesty images make for a cheerful family celebration worth shouting about.