THE FAMILY REUNION

Like a suburban version of The Relatives Came, the Beneadas throng in, bearing casseroles, drinks, towering cakes, a trumpet, an accordion, a violin; they turn up the lights and settle down to regale each other with stories, photograph people they almost remember, exchange confidences, and commune with themselves by meditating or exercising. Into this melÇe of individuality come Esther and Fester, but no one is sure—who are they? The cousins from the circus? The famous doughnut makers? The distant cousins, escaped from the pen? No, the pair eventually point out—they live here: the Beneadas are at the wrong address. No problem: the whole crowd marches from 236 Rosebud to 239, taking their inadvertent hosts' chips along. Pure comedy—especially Tusa's wonderfully pointed cartoon caricatures of family types in full, overebullient swing. (Picture book. 5-9)