The title is: Why We Need Aunts. The author is Gregory E. Lang. The illustrator is Lisa Alderson. It was read via an online reader copy. It is due in September 2025.
Yes, dear reader, one must wait until Fall 2025 to learn why Lang thinks we need aunts and how Alderson has decided to illustrate that. I will say that the number one reason one needs an aunt is that we are AWESOME! We spoil you. We give great hugs. We know the fun game, “Chase your Brother While I chase the other one.” (And the Quiet Game, and which child will win.) We know which Ninja Turtle is which; we can tell you most of the MLP characters (and know what MLP means). We know not to say, “Hey hunny look at the Bumblebee on the flower.” (Or we’ll get into a 10 minute conversation about Transformers). And we know that it HAS to be Grape Jelly on your PB&J.
Now, this book takes a more traditional viewpoint of what aunts do for their nieces and nephews. It is cute with an old school, classical approach that might not completely fit a more modern sentiment. However, it is a cute “parent/grandparent” friendly text (there is nothing bad so it is “okay” for kids even if they would like a little more traditional action) and could work well for the child with the aunt or the new aunt gift.
It is not my usual “go to” type of book due to the pastel colors, whimsy to the illustrations and that overly young feeling. However, it would work well for someone with a more traditional outlook and not just from the aunt, but also for and/or from the Grand Aunt in the child’s life. (Though I am writing my Grand Aunt book for my grand niece because I’m a one of a kind aunt and grand aunt!) 