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Table of Contents
About The Book
Two starred reviews!
From award-winning author Candice Iloh and New York Times illustrator Bea Jackson comes a “jovial…heartfelt” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) picture book celebration of traditional Nigerian home cooking and the surprising joys of trying new things, from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum.
Emeka’s favorite food is jollof rice. He eats it every day. “Emeka, come and try this egusi!” Mama and Papa urge. But orange rice is what Emeka knows. He doesn’t want anything different.
Then one day, Emeka comes home from school to find Mama in the kitchen waiting for him to help her cook egusi. One by one, new things go into the pot. There are so many colors and smells and sounds! And Emeka is a great helper. Could it be that trying something new might actually be…good?
From award-winning author Candice Iloh and New York Times illustrator Bea Jackson comes a “jovial…heartfelt” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) picture book celebration of traditional Nigerian home cooking and the surprising joys of trying new things, from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum.
Emeka’s favorite food is jollof rice. He eats it every day. “Emeka, come and try this egusi!” Mama and Papa urge. But orange rice is what Emeka knows. He doesn’t want anything different.
Then one day, Emeka comes home from school to find Mama in the kitchen waiting for him to help her cook egusi. One by one, new things go into the pot. There are so many colors and smells and sounds! And Emeka is a great helper. Could it be that trying something new might actually be…good?
About The Author
Photograph by Justin Lamar Carter
Candice Iloh is a first-generation Nigerian American writer whose books center home. A National Book Award Finalist and two-time Printz Honoree, their young adult novels include Every Body Looking, Break This House, and Salt the Water. They are a proud alum of the Rhode Island Writers Colony and have earned fellowships from Lambda Literary, VONA, Kimbilio Fiction, and the PEW Center for Arts & Heritage. Currently a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and formerly a high school creative writing teacher, they have taught young people of every age. Emeka, Eat Egusi! is their debut picture book. Visit Candice online at CandiceIloh.com.
About The Illustrator
Photography by Bea Jackson
Bea (Brittany) Jackson is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning illustrator of Parker Looks Up and Parker Shines On, as well as the author-illustrator of Lily’s Dream and the Fairies Welcome series. She attended the College for Creative Studies and was a grand prize winner of the L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrator of the Future Contest. In addition to her work as a children’s book artist and a character and concept artist, Bea’s art has been featured on books and comic covers as well as in various magazines. She lives in Detroit, Michigan. Visit Bea online at BeaGifted.com.
Why We Love It
“It’s impossible not to fall in love with Emeka: from his infectious energy, to his big heart, to his curiosity and absolute delight when experiencing the world, he is a joy to read about. Candice Iloh’s debut picture book sparkles with humor and warmth, while Bea Jackson’s expressive illustrations are so immersive you’ll swear you’re smelling the rich spices as the egusi simmers—yum! Grab a bowl and settle in, because one read of this heartwarming book will leave you hungry for more!”
—Feather F., Editor, on Emeka, Eat Egusi!
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 17, 2026)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665937627
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
★ "Iloh’s methodically paced story is as warm and flavorful as the titular soup. Inspired by their younger sibling, they offer a loving portrait of a child on the autistic spectrum who’s supported by family members eager to meet him where he is . . . [Jackson's] digital illustrations rely on multiple angles, photorealistic depictions of the foods, and masterful use of light and shadow—all of which adds up to both an utterly immersive culinary experience and a tale of familial bonding at its best."
– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ “Iloh’s rhythmic repetition captures the child’s hesitation and interest, while Jackson’s lush digital illustrations fill the pages with the family kitchen’s warmth. It’s a heartfelt story that smartly twines familiar comforts with the joy of learning something new.”
– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“Iloh and Jackson have created an endearing character who is fully capable of starring in more adventures. . . . A delightful story certain to win over listeners at story hours or in classroom units about food and what it means.”
– School Library Journal
Awards and Honors
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Emeka, Eat Egusi!
Fixed Layout eBook 9781665937627
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Author Photo (jpg): Candice Iloh Photograph by Justin Lamar Carter(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
