From James Beard Award–winning chef Alexander Smalls, New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner, and award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison comes a tender celebration of family, traditions, and the little moments shared at the dinner table that make all the difference.
There is nothing young Alexander looks forward to more than Sunday Dinner, the special time after church when the whole family gathers dressed in their Sunday best and ready to share in the best meal of the week.
For the first time, it’s up to Alexander to contribute a dish for the table, something warm and satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness—something that the whole family will love and, most of all, will make his dad proud. It’s time for Alexander to spread that Sunday joy!---from the publisher
40 pages 978-1534488724 Ages 4-7
Keywords: family life, traditions, food, African American and Black stories, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, African American author, diverse books
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Written by James Beard award winning chef Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner and illustrated by the Coretta Scott King Award winner Frank Morrison, this book will probably win notable awards this year making it a must have for libraries...
Gorgeous illustrations by Coretta Scott KIng Award winner Frank Morrison and a story based on James Beard Award winning chef Alexander Smalls own childhood make this book a must have for every library and child's book shelf.
Alexander loves to help his mama in the kitchen, and Sunday dinner is a major production in their home. So big, in fact, they'd start planning and cooking on Saturday night. His mama includes his help in every dish: he picks peas and collards from the garden and lemons from the tree, he peels eggs for the potato salad and grates the cheese for mac and cheese. All of this is done with commitment and love. The entire family gathers on Sunday to share the bounty and joy. Even though the dinners are special and filled with love, his papa never seems impressed.
Alexander wishes he could impress his father. One Saturday evening, his mother says
Alexander can make a special dessert for Sunday dinner. He is so proud, and gets right to work, making lemon icebox pie, his father's favorite. Mama puts it on a fancy cake stand and Alexander delivers it to the table. Papa says the pie looks great, and Alexander holds his breath, hoping his father will love the taste. His father takes a bite and is impressed. Alexander beams with pride, and the memory of his father trying his pie and loving it will stay with him forever.
Highly recommended ages 3 and up. When Alexander Graced the Table will likely be a popular pick in awards this award season.
Recommended by: Thompson McLeod (Pamela), Librarian and Blogger, Florida USA
See more of her recommendations: http://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/
