Ask a Bookseller: ‘Just Us’ by Minnesota author Molly Beth Griffin
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On The Thread’s Ask a Bookseller series, we talk to independent booksellers all over the country to find out what books they’re most excited about right now.
We’re in the gravitational pull of the holidays. Can you feel it? Thanksgiving is creeping up on November 28, and then we’re off to the races.
If you’re looking for a cozy picture book about a family gathering, whatever your family happens to look like, Holly Weinkauf of Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul recommends “Just Us.” It’s written by Twin Cities author Molly Beth Griffin and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan.
In this story, a family of four is looking forward to Grandma and the rest of the relatives arriving with food and games for a big family holiday celebration. Then a snowstorm hits, and no one can make it. Holly loves the simple way the text captures the kids’ emotions:
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“Just Mom, Mama, my brother and me.
Would it even feel like the holidays with just us?”
As the day moves on, they find things to do just as a foursome. They spend time in the snow, cook and play cards instead of the traditional big family charades. They connect with their relatives by talking on the computer and making cards. The illustrations show an active family enjoying a cozy day together.
“It’s just a lovely family story about creating new traditions, and what you do with the unexpected,” says Holly.
This week, Red Balloon Bookshop is celebrating 40 years as an independent children’s bookstore.
