Going Down Home with Daddy
By Kelly Starling Lyons
The Story
A young boy travels before dawn with his family to Granny's farm for their annual reunion, where every child must find their own way to honor the family's history — but Lil Alan isn't sure what he'll bring.
Why It's Special
For the kid who lights up at family gatherings and loves hearing stories about where they come from, this is a book that makes going down home feel like the biggest day of the year.
- Big idea: Family history isn't just told — it's carried forward by each new generation, one tribute at a time.
- Vibes: Warm, rooted, and full of anticipation — like the hum of a car ride before sunrise turns into a house full of family.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories about big family gatherings
- are working on finding their own voice within a group
- respond well to quiet, reflective storytelling
- love learning about where their family comes from
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think Lil Alan could share to honor his family's history?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Lil Alan felt worrying about what to bring to the reunion?
- Real-life connection: What stories does your family tell about where you come from?
- Imagination: If you got to visit a place that meant everything to your family, what would you want to see there?
- Family & traditions: What's a tradition your family does every year, like Lil Alan's reunion?












