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Eli and the Uncles

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Book Synopsis

Celebrate the generous love of extended families – and beards of all shapes and sizes! – in this playful and funny love letter to uncles and positive male role models.

This highly original picture book for bedtime celebrates those less-immediate family members who kids may not live with, but who always show up and give their time, energy and love.

Young Eli gets to spend a whole day with his eight adoring uncles – each with a different personality and unique, enviable beard! With lively text from an Emmy-nominated TV writer and bright, imaginative pictures from an award-winning illustrator, join Eli as he says his goodnights one by one after a busy day of treasured time together.

Our Review Panel says...

I wish I had eight uncles! Jehan Madhani’s colourful and quirky book makes you yearn for a houseful of fantastic role models like these.

Warm, vibrant and joyful, this story celebrates family in a way that feels playful but also meaningful for young readers. Madhani touches on this idea beautifully, presenting each uncle as both a mentor and a source of fun and delight. Eli’s uncles bring different talents to share with him: dancing, singing, cooking, and storytelling. These lively skills are complemented by their wonderfully distinctive beards – soft and woolly, wiry and springy, long and flowing – which add visual charm and help to define their personalities!

The story itself is simple and engaging, making it accessible for younger readers, but its underlying messages of diversity, inclusion and positive masculinity are significant and should not be underestimated. This is a celebration of creativity and care that leaves a lasting impression and oodles of enjoyment.