Here Come the Cousins

By Maggie Hutchings & Sarah Zweck

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Maggie Hutchins is known for her humorous and engaging storytelling, with titles such as Unicorn, her debut work, Your Birthday was the Best and Be True to You (CBCA Honour Book).  Here come the Cousins, aimed at 3–6-year-old, captures the special connection cousins have when they come together for a summer vacation. There is water splashing, duck diving, backflipping, shared family photos and snoozy afternoon sleeps, all under the watchful eyes of aunties, uncles, parents and of course Pop. Sarah’s bright and expressive illustrations are full of movement and life that will appeal to both children and adults.

Seven smiling cousins burst through Pop’s door. Whilst the adults unpack, there are things to be done between swinging each other round, playing rock paper scissors and wriggling into their swimmers. We stop by the door post to measure who grew most since last summer. The days are full of water play at the beach, family lunches, afternoon snoozes, board games and stories under the starlight. And then there are the old photo albums, showing the same kinds of summers spent by their aunts and uncles when they were children.

The text is simple, with a short sentence or two on each page. Sarah’s rich colour palette beautifully portrays our Australian summers at the beach. The shallow sandy pools, cool wavy waters, beach umbrellas and colourful towels. But what stands out is the way the illustrator has captured the expressions of the cousins, as they splash, dive, or simply listen to their Pop showing them old photos or calling them in for lunch.

This is a story about belonging, creating traditions, having a shared history and the anticipation of meeting again next year.  The story is bursting with energy, joy, and the special bond among cousins and extended family.

Thames & Hudson 2025

Maggie Hutchings

Sarah Zweck