Aunts and uncles can play a huge part in the lives of children: they can be special pals, confidants, role models, and occasionally caregivers. Aunts and uncles can be biological, or close friends who have been “adopted” into a family. Most of all, aunts and uncles are people who help make a family feel whole. With all of this in mind, we wanted to share some of our favorite picture books that celebrate the special role of aunts and uncles in little readers’ lives.
Fierce Aunties! by Laurel Goodluck, Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
Sometimes a kid needs a little extra attention; enter six fierce aunties, to the rescue! As the young narrator explains to the audience the important roles that their aunties play in their life, the artwork demonstrates their care and support: cheering the kiddo on at a basketball game, teaching them to garden, performing a blanket dance with them, and more. Context clues suggest that the aunties are a collection of relatives, family friends, and community leaders, showing that the title of auntie is earned through love. A beautiful celebration of Native culture and intergenerational sisterhood, this one is a can’t-miss.
Martina Has Too Many Tías by Emma Otheguy, Illustrated by Sara Palacios
Martina’s tías are wonderful, really… but they can occasionally be too much. Loud, flashy, and the life of the party, there’s always a grand — and LOUD — time to be had when they visit, which can be overwhelming for the quiet Martina. So during this visit, she slips away and finds herself in a magical land full of animal playmates. It’s good fun at first, but soon she begins to miss the wild yet loving tías. An imaginative modern retelling of the Caribbean folktale, “La Cucaracha Martina,” this celebration of unconditional love between family is full of warmth, humor, and understanding.
The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles by Jake Gyllenhaal & Greta Caruso, Illustrated by Dan Santat
Aspiring dancer Leo is having a rough day: his glasses fell off during a pirouette, causing him to knock down some of his fellow students. Worse yet, Uncle Mo has picked him up from class, explaining that he’ll be babysitting tonight. Leo isn’t overly fond of Mo, his boring hobbies (who collects rubber bands?), or his strict rules. However, an unexpected trip into another dimension leads the two into the Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles, a collective that tests the titular grown-ups on their sacred roles. Wildly inventive and delightfully silly, this tongue-in-cheek look at “proper” aunting and uncling will leave little readers giggling.
Eli and the Uncles by Jehan Madhani, Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Eli’s uncles are eight very different men, with eight very different personalities — and eight very different beards! While Uncle Salim whips up culinary wonders, Uncle Riz tells side-splitting jokes. Uncle Hanif sings beautiful songs while Uncle Aman cuts a rug, and Uncle Nooru is the absolute expert at nap-taking. And when Eli kisses and hugs each man goodbye, he gets to marvel at their elegant beards. A sweet and simple tale of family bonding and masculine affection that is perfect for any kiddo with a large contingent of uncles (or even just a fascination with facial hair).
Mauntie and Me by Rajani LaRocca, Illustrated by Nadia Alam
Every Saturday, young Priya’s large extended family comes to visit her house, and Priya gets to spend time with her favorite aunt, whom she calls Mauntie (“my auntie”). The pair practice elaborate hairstyles, tell riddles, and eat sweet treats, forming a special bond… until the day that Priya’s cousin Aditi comes to visit. Aditi intrudes on Priya’s time with Mauntie, answering the riddles and taking up Mauntie’s attention. Can Priya learn to share her Mauntie time with another niece? A tender and empathic look at changing family dynamics that can help little ones through similar transitions.
Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, Illustrated by Lian Cho
A child is peacefully eating their cereal for breakfast one day when it happens: their four aunts burst through the door, throwing a heaping helping of chaos into their routine. With cheek-pinching, odd trinkets as gifts, and incessant questions, the child is immediately overstimulated by their presence. However, while the vivacious aunts are a little raucous and rowdy, they are fiercely protective and full of love, as the child comes to find. A hilarious look at both the disruption and joy of family visits from a child’s perspective that will leave readers young and old with a chuckle.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen, Illustrated by Lucia Soto
Chloe’s uncle Bobby announces that he’s getting married… much to Chloe’s concern. As the two are thick as thieves, will this mean that she won’t get to have fun spending time with Uncle Bobby anymore? Uncle Bobby reassures her that they will, and plans a day out so that she and his fiancé, Jamie, can get to know each other better. A phenomenal update to Brannen’s 2008 original, featuring human characters rather than guinea pigs, this timeless tale encourages little ones to embrace new family members, even if that change seems scary. After all, by the end, Chloe has not just one favorite uncle, but two!
We hope that you and your little ones enjoy these books and that they encourage you to celebrate the aunts and uncles in your lives! Happy reading!
Looking for more kids’ reads that are all about family dynamics? Check out our article on New Picture Books That Celebrate Dads and Their Little Ones.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
