In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen

Cobble Street Cousins #1

by Cynthia Rylant, Wendy Anderson Halperin (Illustrator)

Lily, Rosie, and Tess are making a doll house for their Aunt Lucy that will look just like her flower shop, and their neighbor Michael, who has a crush on Aunt Lucy, has agreed to help them find supplies, as long as they make a Michael doll to keep the Aunt Lucy doll company.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Family, Summer

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.

Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.

from bookrags.com

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pairing of the wholesome stories and the whimsical illustrations gives new readers a series of books they will love to read. There are cats (some of the fabric and stuffing variety), cookies, flowers, and kind deeds. In this first book of the series, the three cousins start a cookie company and put on a little talent show. Lily, Rose, and Tess have their own distinct personalities, likes/dislikes, and dreams. Perfect for readers who also love the Betsy-Tacy books.

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of years ago a friend asked me for book recommendations for his eight year old daughter. She had a quiet, sweet disposition, and the preponderance of books on the market featuring sassy, bossy protagonists did not appeal to her as a reader, or to him as a parent. At the time my own daughter was still a toddler and I wasn't paying much attention to chapter books for young readers. Now that I have a seven year old daughter and am on the lookout for books she might enjoy, I can better appreciate what he was looking for -- or trying to avoid. It isn't hard to find the well-mannered girls and sweet, family-centered stories in historical novels like LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE, the American Girl stories, or the Betsy-Tacy books, but contemporary fiction tends to be a bit on the saucy side. Don't get me wrong, I love the entertaining antics and outspokeness of certain little protagonists, but when their goings-on shock, upset, or confuse my young reader, I start to look for something else. All of that said, I was thrilled when I received IN AUNT LUCY'S KITCHEN from a dear friend of mine for my birthday this year. The reading level was a bit of a stretch for my first grader, so we took turns reading it outloud to each other, but the characters, story, and setting were absoltely perfect. The book features three cousins: Lily, Rosie, and Tess, who are living with their Aunt Lucy for a year while their parents are working abroad. Each girl has her own interests and personality, but the three together share a wonderful kinship that is fun to be apart of as you read about their adventures. In this book those adventures center around a cookie making business the girls start together, baking cinnamon crinkles for people who live in their neighborhood. It was a fun plotline that engaged my daugther's favorite interests, and required each of the young protagonists to contribute her unique talents and abilities. We'll be sure to follow the rest of the series!

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book follows three cousins as they stay with their Aunt Lucy for the summer. They decide to start up a cookie company, and they meet some interesting people when they deliver the cookies. One of them is a young man who blushes every time they mention their Aunt Lucy, and they deduce that he must have a crush on her. They come up with a plan for Aunt Lucy to meet him, but they will have to get very creative if they want their plan to succeed.

This book is so cute! I loved all the fun characters. The girls all have creative pursuits- poetry, music, baking, and art. The writing is really sweet and wholesome. And I loved the adorable illustrations on each page. Such a cute story! I want to read more from this series!

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a certain sweetness to these books that feels both nostalgic and timeless. It has a pure-hearted atmosphere full of the wonder and possibility of childhood, celebrating the every-day joy possible in a house full of love. If that sounds cloying, think along the lines of Anne of Green Gables. This series is gentle and warm, perfect for any young reader who has trouble connecting with the loud and at times obnoxious protagonists often pushed in children's lit (who are needed in their own way, but sometimes we need a break).

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Three 9 year old cousins with dreams of their future, a cookie company right now, and love for Aunt Lucy - as only 9 year old can imagine! My 8 year old is going to love this. There are so many sweet little life lessons in this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series as a child and I still love it as an adult. The gentleness of the stories is exactly suited to my sensitive soul, then and now. I look forward to gifting these books to several of my friends with young girls.

[Bookchick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wholesome stories with beautiful illustrations.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should be titled: 3 white able-bodied middle-class cousins have a nice summer in a small town. Nothing goes wrong ever. No character growth, no conflict, nothing to learn.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely up my alley so fully expected to love this as a read aloud with my kids. Cookie business with cousins? Sign me up! They were into it but I didn’t like that there is a romance in it—specifically kids trying to help set up adults! Maybe I’m being too picky but I just don’t really want them to be even thinking about that this young. Will try again when they’re older!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series as a child and as I reread the first book, I can understand why. Three young cousins live with their Aunt Lucy in a small, idyllic town because their parents are touring with a ballet company. The cousins are spunky and sweet and the book's cast of character is endearing.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I liked the part when the three cousins made a show. I also enjoyed this book because I liked the part when the three cousins made a cookie company.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute. My favorite part was when Rosie gave Mrs. White the Cinnamon Crinkles for free on her 90th birthday!

[Hannah Brown]

This was such a cute read aloud. Perfect for girls 4-8 and I enjoyed it too!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. A bit boring, but cute.

[Kelsey Shenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuuuuuute. Adorable. This is such a cute, simple read aloud for me and my daughter

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading with my 7 year old. Perfect for her!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these (all 6 - this is just the first) to Bea and we enjoyed them. As a read aloud they really would be better formated in one big book so that there could be less repetition. The books are so short! But I can see that might be what they are going for in an early reader chapter book.

We enjoyed the plot for the most part - very sweet and simple. The girls are always doing things that Bea wishes she could do -- make a dollhouse, write a newpaper, organize tea parties. The whole plot line about matchmaking Aunt Lucy/Michael and planning the wedding didn't strike a chord with Bea -- but that is just her. I remember being totally wedding crazy when I was 8 or 9 so I would have loved it.

It was nice that the parents were removed from the scene through a year-long ballet tour instead of dying -- that was a bit easier for Bea to take. And I enjoyed that this series really didn't focus on school stuff -- easier for the homeschoolers among us to relate :-)

All and all, sweet stuff.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three 9-year-old girl cousins sell cookies and make friends one summer while staying with their Aunt Lucy. No trauma, no drama, just innocent fun. Very cottagecore. Sweet detailed illustrations by Wendy Anderson Halperin. First in a series.

[Brigette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is really great. These are sweet stories about 3 cousins. Great for begining readers. A modern with the same heart of the "Betsy and Tacy" book.

[Rose McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guess what? At first I couldn’t read the word “company,” I thought I was “comp-AN-ee.”

I thought that it was a kids birthday party when they were delivering their cookies to the birthday party. But it was actually an old lady turning 90! They had never seen someone that old so they were so surprised they didn’t even make her pay. But she said, “I have to at least give you one of my little kittens.” Then Tess said, “Oh no, we couldn’t! I already have a kitty and Aunt Lucy said that would be too many.” But then Mrs. White said, “Oh no, not real kittens, I sewed them myself!” And they got to pick out their own little kitties.

When I got to see the kitties, I kind of wished I could see the colour (it was in black and white).

One of their deliveries of their cookie company was to a boy. His name was Michael. I pronounce it May-chel. When I heard they thought that he was going to marry their Aunt Lucy I thought in one of the books there would be a wedding! And when I looked on the back I could see all the books and I saw there was one Wedding Flowers! I was so surprised. 💐

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute quick read for read aloud or good chapter book for a reading who’s ready to read independently, but doesn’t have a stamina for something long yet. Similar reading level to Magic Treehouse, but a little shorter. Three cousins live at their aunts house while their parents tour the world with their ballet company. They decided to start a cookie company and meet some fun characters along the way. You’ll want to continue reading the series after the first one because they all continue in one big story. The first two especially go together. The first one wraps up ok, but the last line says they moved on to the next adventure essentially and sets you up to be excited about it, so you want to keep treading. Very squeaky clean. Teaches hard work and working together, as well as making friends and being nice to people of different ages and needs. One of the people they friend is a 90 year old woman who lives alone. Very sweet.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book for a book club I had with friends when we were in second grade- so In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen will always hold a special place in my heart :) I love how our main characters Rosie, Lily and Tess are always having big ideas, whether it’s starting a cookie business, or putting on a show, or even trying to get their Aunt Lucy to fall in love. The illustrations are also adorable! The reading level is just about right for kindergarten through 3rd grade readers, but I’m sure everyone can find something to love about the Cobble Street Cousins!

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about cousins coming together to start a baking company. The people they encourage with their cookies is very sweet.

Somethings to be aware of:

1. They deliver cookies to a man named Michael and the cousins noticed he blushed when the cousins talked about their aunt Lucy. They said something about him being in love with their aunt. They feel like they need to encourage Michael with a “nudge” to contact their aunt.

2. The cousins parents are dancers and leave their kids with aunt Lucy to travel.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure about this one. It was a little twee, but that's not necessarily a deal-breaker. It seemed somewhat lacking... I was hoping for something to sink the teeth into. Little girls need books with substance.

I see another reviewer praises the series because the characters tend more towards the sweet & quiet than the outspoken & spunky. That *is* nice. The number of fierce, feisty girl heroines in today's books is unrealistic and downright annoying.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the series introduces the cousins Lily, Rosie, and Tess and their living arrangement in Aunt Lucy's attic while their parents are touring with their ballet company. It is summer vacation and the girls decide to go into business making and delivering cookies. The result is a little ready cash and, more importantly, getting to know their neighbors, specifically Michael, a botanist and love interest for Aunt Lucy, and a 90-year-old woman who loves to sew stuffed cats.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My read aloud notes:
🍪 A sweet modern read about 3 cousins looking out for their family, being entrepreneurs, and behaving respectfully towards adults 👍🏼
🍪 The illustrations are just enough to add to the story without taking away any imagination
🍪 Read to C & N & L at 8 & 6.5 & 4. They all enjoyed the different characters and we'll be continuing the series!

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable! I loved how well the author developed the characters, and only in the span of 55 pages! I am curious how the rest of this little series progresses, and perhaps I'll keep on reading :)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, little book for young girls! I think Cynthia Rylant is becoming a favorite author of mine for elementary aged children. This series is all about twin girls and their cousin that are temporarily living with their flowershop owning aunt. Very innocent and classically girly.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are sweet, cute books. Very Cynthia Rylant (that's a good thing). The characters are idealistic yet likable. The background story of the girls' parents is a bit farfetched, but it doesn't hurt the main plot of the series.

[Rachel Dorminy]

My daughter said halfway through, “there’s no bad guy”! But she asked if we could read the others in the series when we finished it. It’s all girlie things with tea, poetry performances and flower shops. No major conflict but very sweet and light.