When Alexander Graced the Table

In this culinary account from celebrated chef Smalls, with Millner, a boy’s efforts to cook for his father result in a memorable outcome. Sundays are “the highlight of Alexander’s whole life,” kicking off with biscuits and—on particularly special mornings—“Dad’s crab gravy, hot and sweet.” Churchgoing is followed by a busy Sunday dinner with lots of relations. When Mom is too tired to make Alexander franks and beans one evening, and he cooks them himself, Mom praises his first effort while Dad turns down the meal, as usual preferring something sweet. Alexander, disappointed, is nevertheless prompted to try again for Sunday, an action whose success elicits a “memory Alexander kept in his heart.” The texture of Morrison’s vibrant oil on illustration board art shapes a vibrant visual narrative of food preparation, enjoyment, and familial support. A recipe concludes. Characters are portrayed with brown skin. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)