Tessa, Our Little Italian Cousin

"Tessa, Our Little Italian Cousin" by Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade is a heartwarming story of a young Italian girl named Tessa and her brother Beppo as their lives unexpectedly change when she is chosen to model for an artist in Rome. The narrative begins by painting a picture of Tessa’s simple life in her small village and her close-knit family. This opportunity sends Tessa on a thrilling journey to the bustling city, where she experiences new sights and sounds. The story brings out the beauty of childhood wonder, shows the importance of family bonds, and offers a peek into Italian culture through the eyes of a child, focusing on her interactions with the artist’s family.