by Jehan Madhani
illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
 
Every summer, Mum drops Eli off for a day with his uncles- that’s eight uncles, eight “very big and very tall” uncles, each with “his own especially elegant beard”. All of the uncles give Eli their special attention, from Uncle Salim who cooks Eli his top foods to Uncle Riz who regales him with the best jokes to Uncle Nooru who... well, actually, he snoozes like a “world champion nap-taker”. At the end of his very full day and a dinner at a very long table, Eli says good night to each of his uncles in turn. With each embrace, he is variously swept up in, tickled and buoyed by each uncle’s magnificent beard. 
 
There are far too few uncles and aunts in children’s picture books and this one makes up for that by delivering us eight flamboyantly unforgettable ones. Madhani’s text embellishes especially well on the beard variations. Kheiriyeh’s illustrations bring wonderful energy and zing via a near-fluorescent palette of oranges, blues and pinks, as well as through the very individuated styles and flair of each uncle. 'This made me laugh, then smile on every page. Love that it is so positive about uncles/men in their various guises'(Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, Letterbox Library reviewer). N.b.: enjoy a great roll call of Arabic names! Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp.
 
Themes: Diverse Families