A Mess of Relatives

Did you know that a group of boys is called a noise? Or that a group of girls is called a giggle? It makes perfect sense that a group of family members is called a mess! This collective noun book celebrates the anticipation of your birthday and the uniqueness of your family. Celebrate your next birthday with a Mess of Relatives!

A Mess of Relatives is designed to support early literacy skills development and a life-long love of reading. The front cover is more illustrated than the back, so it is obvious how to hold the book. Left to right movement of both text and illustrations reinforce directionality. Wonky text placement on page twenty-five supports one-to-one correspondence and develops print awareness. Engaging illustrations support the text while encouraging the reader to turn the page. The text and illustrations flip on pages sixteen to nineteen, encouraging interaction with the reader and further develop print awareness. A simple font with good spacing models the strokes we teach in school—no fancy a or g. Strong patterned text pulls the reader through the story. Word choices develop rich vocabulary skills. The story line opens opportunities to discuss and accept the messy nature of families. Readers are encouraged to read it again and again and again!


A Mess of Relatives is a very intentionally written book designed, not just to entertain, but to engage both parents and children. It engages young readers with simplicity and repetition. I love the art too!! – Bryanna Oliver

What a cute little book! I love that it subtly demonstrates how very unique the makeup of family and friends can be. Everyone of different colors, shapes, ages, and fashions… Bonus! I also love that the book was so intentional in the design and layout to promote development of literacy skills! Can’t wait to get the coloring book version! – Leila Lopes

I love that this book focuses on action words! With little children, they are constantly moving from one thing to another, and this book captures the spirit of childhood. And the progression of where these actions head towards is a celebration of all ages, to be young by age or young at heart! We are trying to focus on teaching our two young children that people are created in all shapes, sizes, colors, etc., so I can’t wait to read it with them to reinforce that we are all unique! And the illustrations capture the heart of the book amazingly. Thank you for including ideas on how to read this wonderful story and make it come to life even more by fun activities as we read it together over and over! – Vivian Farris

A Mess of Relatives is an amazing book! I absolutely love the art as well. I especially love the early learning literacy skills development explanation so I can point these out as a teacher or a parent. – Tyler Sexton