The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles

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.)

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