Eli and the Uncles
By Jehan Madhani.
Illus. by Rashin Kheiriyeh.
Nov. 2024. 32p. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536228113). PreS-Grade 2.
REVIEW. First published November 1, 2024 (Booklist).
In this delightful showcase of wholesome masculinity, little Eli gets to spend a day with his eight stylish and talented uncles: Mahmoud the storyteller; Salim the chef; Hanif the singer; Aman the dancer; Riz the comedian; Farouk and Aziz, who love to argue; and Nooru, “world champion nap-taker.” What make each of these uncles truly special, however, are their eight long and diversely fabulous beards, which flirt with the fantastical in their larger-than-life presentations. While Madhani’s upbeat text doesn’t provide much explicit narrative tissue, simply introducing each uncle one by one and then taking readers through Eli’s farewells, the illustrations tell the story of a long, busy, fun-filled day, as each uncle shines on a dedicated spread, showing off their individual talents, always in a group setting. The result is a genuinely festive atmosphere and something akin to a fashion show, collectively providing a treasure trove of beautiful, brown masculinity. Kheiriyeh’s characters burst with energy and color, a palette of hot pinks and beachy blues lending a feminine edge to these stunning men and their endlessly elegant beards. The unfettered affection on display among the uncles and their nephew doubles down on the book’s unmistakable message about the many things that men (and boys) can and should be proud of being: playful, pretty, and powerful, all at once.
— Ronny Khuri
