Seven Kisses in a Row

Emma's parents must travel to France for two weeks, leaving her and her younger brother Zachary in the care of their aunt Evelyn. The children have never met Evelyn before, and they approach her arrival with uncertainty. Throughout their time together, Emma observes her aunt's routines and habits, which differ markedly from those of her parents. Evelyn brings new rules and customs to the household, including the tradition of "seven kisses in a row." The story centers on the growing connections between the children and their aunt as they adjust to temporary family life together. Their days involve everyday activities, conversations, and small adventures that shape their understanding of each other. Through gentle humor and careful attention to family dynamics, MacLachlan explores how love and trust can develop in unexpected ways. The narrative speaks to the capacity of children to adapt and form meaningful bonds with adults who enter their lives.

Readers describe this book as a gentle, realistic story about family relationships and everyday life. Parents and teachers note it works well as an early chapter book for ages 7-10. Liked: - Natural dialogue between siblings - Relatable family dynamics without major drama - Short chapters suited for new readers - Simple but meaningful story - Addresses divorce and stepfamilies in an age-appropriate way Disliked: - Some found the plot too quiet/uneventful - Several readers wanted more character development - A few noted the dated references (published 1983) Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (11 ratings) "The interactions between Emma and her brother felt completely real," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. Another noted: "Nothing earth-shattering happens, but that's what makes it work for young readers - it's their everyday life reflected back."

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🌟 Patricia MacLachlan wrote this gentle story about family relationships in 1983, several years before her Newbery Medal-winning novel Sarah, Plain and Tall 🌟 The book explores the complexities of blended families during a time when divorce and remarriage were less commonly discussed in children's literature 🌟 The story's protagonist, Emma, demonstrates the author's trademark skill at portraying children dealing with real-life situations in mature, thoughtful ways 🌟 The title "Seven Kisses in a Row" comes from a bedtime ritual between Emma and her stepfather, highlighting the importance of creating new family traditions 🌟 Like many of MacLachlan's works, this story takes place in a domestic setting and emphasizes the power of small, everyday moments in strengthening family bonds