Children's Books and Family History: Summer is for Cousins (Memory Prompt Monday)

What is your favorite memory with one of your cousins?

Today is my cousin's birthday!
Although we live on different continents now, I still loved seeing photos of his birthday celebration pop up on social media. Distance may change how often we see the people we love, but it doesn't change the memories we've shared or the place they hold in our family story.

Reading Summer Is for Cousins reminded me that some of the best family memories aren't made during big events. They're made on ordinary summer days—playing games, eating meals together, staying up too late, and simply enjoying one another's company. Those moments might seem small at the time, but they often become the stories we carry with us for a lifetime.

When I was visiting my family in England, my cousin, aunt, niece, and I went to see Tangled at the cinema. While we were waiting for my aunt and niece to come out of the restroom, I decided it would be funny to walk down the escalator that was going up. It was unbelievably difficult, but somehow I made it. I don't think my cousin and I have ever laughed so hard.

That trip gave us so many memories that I still treasure today.

On Christmas Eve, I helped her carry all of my niece's presents downstairs. I couldn't believe how completely covered the living room was! We still laugh about that one. We were the only two people who stayed awake to welcome in the new year in 2008. We sang along to Take That while we waited for the countdown, wished each other a Happy New Year, and then promptly went to bed.

We spent days shopping together, watched Mamma Mia! in London's West End, and shared countless conversations that I'll always treasure.

Not every memory was filled with laughter. I also watched my cousin stand and give the most beautiful tribute at her dad's funeral. I still don't know how she found the strength to do it. We went to Disneyland together one summer with the whole family. That was a magical trip to do with everyone. Whether laughing or crying, I have been grateful for her.

That's one of the things I love about cousins. They don't just share our grandparents or our family tree. They share our memories. They remember the stories we were part of, remind us of moments we've forgotten, and become some of the keepers of our family history.

There is something special about summer with family. 

The days seem a little slower, the evenings last a little longer, and there's more time to be together. Whether it's a trip to the lake, a family reunion, or a week spent at Grandma's house, those ordinary summer days often become the memories we carry with us for a lifetime.

Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRocca beautifully captures the joy of growing up alongside cousins and the traditions that bring extended families together year after year.

Every summer, Ravi looks forward to returning to the family lake house where he can spend long, carefree days with his cousins. Together they swim, play games, share meals, and enjoy the traditions that make summer feel familiar. But as the years pass, Ravi notices that his older cousin, Dhruv, is changing. He worries that growing up might mean growing apart.

As the family spends one final evening together preparing dinner, Ravi discovers that while relationships naturally change over time, the love shared between cousins—and the memories they create together—can continue to grow.

Filled with warmth and heart, Summer Is for Cousins celebrates family traditions, childhood memories, and the enduring bond between cousins.

When we think about family history, it's easy to focus on the generations that came before us. But family history is also being created between the generations growing up together.

Cousins often become our first friends. They share grandparents, family traditions, vacations, holidays, and inside jokes that no one else quite understands. Years later, they become the keepers of those shared memories, reminding one another of stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Some of the happiest memories from childhood aren't tied to special occasions at all. They're found in the ordinary moments—running through the backyard, staying up too late talking, helping make dinner, or spending one more day together before summer comes to an end.

Those moments matter.

They're becoming tomorrow's family history.

ACTIVITY: A Cousin Memory

Some of our favorite childhood memories include the people we grew up with.

Think about a cousin or another family member you love spending time with.

Then write or talk about these questions:

• What's your favorite memory you've shared?
• What do you love doing together?
• Is there a family tradition you always look forward to?
• What's something that always makes you laugh when you're together?
• What's one memory you hope you'll never forget?

If you can, call or message one of your cousins this week and ask them what their favorite memory is. You might be surprised that they remember something completely different!

to download/print the activity page simply click here or on the image below