What's in Aunt Mary's Room?

by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, Cedric Lucas (Illustrations)

Susan and Sarah wonder what's in that mysterious room in Great-great-aunt Flossie's house, but nobody knows for sure -- not even Mommy. At last they get to hunt for the missing key and find out what's in Aunt Mary's among other treasures, a family Bible in which Susan is allowed to write their names.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1996

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree]

First thing I notice here is the illustrations by Cedric Lucas. Such a softness, and refined beauty, to every one of these magnificent pictures!

I love to find picture books that speak to the softness within young children. Many will turn callous until they forget the natural sweetness we're all born with. One reason I love (and review) so many children's books is to applaud-and-encourage appreciation for this kind of thing.

Books for youngsters can remind us of goodness, truth, and even the spiritual-and-religious truth being human need not mean becoming tough as nails.

Another reason why I cherish this book by extraordinary storyteller (and poet) Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard?

IT'S SO RARE FOR A PICTURE BOOK TO REVEAL THE PERSONAL BELONGINGS OF ELDERS

Never did I have a visit, like the one so beautifully vivid in this story; a very personal visit, bringing perspective on any grandparent's bedroom, or belongings, or anecdotes from the "olden days."

How I would have loved that! Especially since old people seem really-really old to young children.

As for the custom of writing everyone's name in the Family Bible -- so beautiful, like a sacred way of understanding what a family could be.

FIVE STARS for this book, FIVE STARS from the heart.

[Pamela Powell]

Delightful story about family treasures.

[Jasmine Robinson]

This book is a great book about two young little girls and their Great Great Aunt Flossie. The girls, Susan and Sarah found out that their Aunt Mary had passed away and that she left a lot of things in her room. The room was locked and no one had been in the room for years. Sarah and Susan wanted to find out what was in the room, but until they could find out they made up a game. They took turns thinking of things that began with a, then b, and c. That day they told Aunt Flossie about the game. Aunt Flossie told the girls they were going to finally see what was in Aunt Mary's room. When they opened the door they saw boxes and a bible. This book can teach children about learning about their family origin and where they come from. The game in this book can also be a great opener or closer to the lesson/ activity.