FUNCLES

Working on a school project, a child explores the joys of chosen family.

When Mrs. Forrest announces a family tree assignment, one enthusiastic student requests multiple worksheets, insisting “I have loads of aunties and a gazillion uncles.” Mrs. Forrest seems dubious until the child starts to introduce a “HUGE” family in the pages that follow: “My uncles are EVERYWHERE.” An uncle who drives a bus (Bus Uncle) always waits for the youngster. Supermarket Uncle appreciates the child’s bagging talents (“must be a family skill”). “Some days are three-uncle days,” with Taxi Uncle, Fried Rice Uncle, and Barber Shop Uncle. At home, the family tree expands from bedroom floor to living room wall. Surprised, Ma explains that neither she nor Pa has brothers, then gently adds, “In some cultures like ours,” calling unrelated older people uncles and aunties is a sign of respect. “So all this time, I’ve had…fake uncles…FUNCLES?” But Ma and Pa remind the child that they’re all part of a close community, and disappointment turns to delight as the little one brightly claims the FUN in FUNCLES. In an author’s note following her sweetly jaunty narrative, Mody describes her own Singaporean family’s custom of honoring community by deeming elders “aunties” or “uncles” and how she continues the tradition with her young son. Fong, also Singaporean, amps up the fun, matching Mody’s inviting energy with wonderfully complementary Technicolor art. The child’s family has brown skin; the funcles, like the child’s classmates, are diverse.

An endearing, welcoming tribute to all manner of extended families.