FICTION

Emeka, Eat Egusi!

by Candice Iloh (text) & illus. by Bea Jackson
S. & S./Atheneum. Mar. 2026. 48p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665937610. PreS-Gr 3
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PreS-Gr 3–Emeka is that child, who knows what he likes—and it is jollof rice. He eats the orange dish every day, but his mother wants to expand his palate. Nope. Only when they spend time in the kitchen making the delicious stew of flavors that is egusi, does Emeka learn that he adores something else too—and cannot wait to see what his mother is cooking the next time. With an author’s note that sends readers to West African shops for the ingredients mention in the recipe, Iloh and Jackson have created an endearing character who is fully capable of starring in more adventures. His family, with brown skin and at times wearing traditional garb, create a loving backdrop and demonstrate how persuasion works within the context of preschool sensibilities.
VERDICT A delightful story certain to win over listeners at story hours or in classroom units about food and what it means.
Reviewed by Kimberly Olson Fakih , Nov 14, 2025

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