07/10/2023

It’s bad enough when Leo’s glasses fly off during his beloved ballet class, causing a pileup up at the barre. Then Uncle Mo, the very picture of a stickler, shows up to babysit and rattles off a litany of rules, ending with a final coup de grace—“Bedtime is at 8 p.m. And no dessert tonight.” Clearly the universe can’t allow that to stand, and the two, portrayed with pale skin, are suddenly whisked into “the wonderful in-between,” where the Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles “preserves the ancient arts of Auntieology and Uncleology.” A kid panel quickly deems Uncle Mo in need of Emergency Basic Training, during which he learns the ways of nibling connection: bedtime is “always three minutes before Mom and Dad get home,” making sundaes counts as cooking, and a nephew is not a charge to be managed, but a real human being. In a double picture book debut, actor Gyllenhaal and entrepreneur Caruso expand on a winning premise that explains why aunts and uncles become the cool adult in so many children’s lives. Caldecott Medalist Santat infuses the story with all the verve of a game show challenge, portraying the Secret Society’s trainees, of various species and human skin tones, with oodles of comic drama. Ages 4–6. (Sept.)

Praise for The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles:

"Santat’s illustrations extend the story with hilarity, ­absurdity, and tenderness . . . Nieces and nephews who read this book will never look at their aunts and uncles the same way again. A wonderful adventure to be enjoyed by all and a challenge to all adults to loosen up and enjoy the children around them." –School Library Journal

08/01/2023

K-Gr 4—Leo and his uncle have a strained relationship. Leo is less than thrilled that Uncle Mo is babysitting while his mom is away. As soon as Uncle Mo picks Leo up at dance class, the list of onerous rules begins. As Leo is about to call Uncle Mo the "worst," their car plunges off the road and lands in the Secret Society of Aunts and Uncles. Met by the exemplary pair of Great-Aunt Gloria and Uncle Munkle Carbunkle, both of whom could star in an origin story in their own right, Mo is put through a series of challenges to prove his status as an uncle. He fails miserably as he really knows nothing about his nephew and has to undergo basic training to improve. Santat's illustrations extend the story with hilarity, absurdity, and tenderness. Leo and Uncle Mo connect, and a tight bond is formed. There are still lessons to be learned in "advanced courses'' and readers will hope for a sequel. VERDICT Nieces and nephews who read this book will never look at their aunts and uncles the same way again. A wonderful adventure to be enjoyed by all and a challenge to all adults to loosen up and enjoy the children around them.—John Scott

2023-07-13
In this picture book from actor Gyllenhaal and his partner, Caruso, a child and his uncle bond on a fantastic journey.

Leo, an avid dancer, is dismayed when Uncle Mo visits—he’s in town for a “rubber band convention.” Illustrations show both with wavy brown hair and light tan skin. Not only does Leo think his uncle is rather dull, he’s also leery of Uncle Mo’s many rules. A rather abrupt narrative shift occurs when the pair inexplicably drive into another dimension. Here they encounter Great-Aunt Gloria (who is very tall and presents Black) and Uncle Munkle Carbunkle (who is very short and light-skinned), who guide them through the Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles. Unimpressed with Uncle Mo, Great-Aunt Gloria says he must take a quiz on “Auntieology and Uncleology.” After several wrong answers, Uncle Mo has a final chance at redemption: He must state his nephew’s favorite activity. When Leo springs into action to dance for his clueless uncle, a mishap leaves him mortified and un-bespectacled. Enter Uncle Mo to save the day by using a rubber band to secure Leo’s glasses. While Santat’s energetic illustrations do much to clarify the narrative, they can’t fully make up for the disjointed storytelling—it’s never clear why the two have entered this dimension or why Leo is suddenly so eager to help Uncle Mo. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Warm but underdone. (Picture book. 4-7)