Here Come the Cousins

Maggie Hutchings expertly captures the bonds shared within a big group of cousins. The reader can feel the excitement and fun building, the laziness of summer holidays unfolding, and the shared memories being made. The language is simple and sentences are short, making it ideal for preschool-aged children. Sarah Zweck’s detailed illustrations are full of movement, and the bright colour palette evokes the Australian summer: yellow sands; blue and white rolling waves; children sporting red, brown and blonde hair with vibrant bathers and beach toys. This book is sure to become a perennial favourite for the many children who relate to the special bonds among cousins and extended family. – Erin Wamala * Books+Publishing *
Here Come the Cousins is a picture book story that captures the best moments of an extended family’s cherished annual beach summer holiday at Pop’s place… It’s a celebration of summer sun, fun and close bonds with cousins.With satisfying patterns and an economy of words, Hutchings’ metaphors beautifully evoke the smells, sights, sounds and sensations of a beach holiday. Zweck’s illustrations bring the story to life with movement and expressive faces and a colour palette that radiates the warmth of an Australian summer. – Barbara Swartz * Reading Time *
Maggie Hutchings has created a joyful text filled with heart and warmth… Sarah Zweck’s illustrations give this story so much heart and vibrancy. Her work beautifully captures the joy and energy of family reunions. The comfort of shared family moments and the thrill of beach moments shine out from every page… Here Come The Cousins is a heart filled picture book that celebrates family, summer, rituals, beach holidays and love. It is a powerful celebration of an Aussie summer holiday. * Buzz Words *
Hutchings’s poetic storytelling and Zweck’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations create a picture book teeming with familial love, happy activity, and the taste of salty ocean water. It captures the beauty of time with extended family: finding equal joy in the nostalgia of old times and the novelty of memories being made. – The Horn Book * The Horn Book *
Hutchings recreates the activities, the joy, and the family ties that can make even a short beach vacation memorable for decades to come. Many children have never seen the sea, but after seeing Zweck’s lively, colorful illustrations, they will surely look forward to the experience. – Booklist * Booklist *

Maggie Hutchings

Maggie Hutchings’ debut picture book Unicorn! was published in 2018, and she has since published eleven picture books with over 65,400+ Bookscan sales in Australia. Her work has been published in several territories, including Tundra in North America. Her picture book Your Birthday was the Best (illustrated by Felicita Sala) was a CBCA Honour Book, a White Raven Book, and was shortlisted for the Russell Humour Prize.

Maggie worked as a family counsellor for many years and now spends her time writing from her home on the coast of Northern NSW.

Sarah Zweck

Sarah Zweck is an artist illustrator who lives in Melbourne. New to picture book illustration, her work is already highly sought after by publishers in Australia and internationally. Play is at the forefront of her work, and she creates expressive characters that evoke humour and heart. Sarah enjoys working with mixed-media, using materials that allow her to experiment with mark-making, colour, and texture. Originally from the UK, Sarah graduated from Leeds with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design and worked as a childrenswear designer in London before embarking on a career in illustration.

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