When Alexander Graced the Table - by Alexander Smalls & Denene Millner (Hardcover)

About the Book

Alexander loves Sundays, especially Sunday dinners, so when his mom asks him to make something special, all by himself, he sets out to make a dish that will show his family, especially Dad, just how sweet it is to be together. Includes recipe for Alexander's icebox lemon pie with meringue.

Book Synopsis

Four starred reviews!

From James Beard Award-winning chef Alexander Smalls, New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner, and award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison comes a "vibrant visual narrative" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) 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!

Review Quotes

★ "This stunning picture book deserves a spot in all collections serving young readers. Hand to young chefs and anyone with a sweet tooth."--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

★ "In this culinary account from celebrated chef Smalls, with Millner, a boy's efforts to cook for his father result in a memorable outcome....The texture of Morrison's vibrant oil on illustration board art shapes a vibrant visual narrative of food preparation, enjoyment, and familial support."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ "For an excellent example of #BlackBoyJoy, look to this sweet celebration of food and familial love from renowned chef Smalls and his cocreators. Warmth and community are exuded in Morrison's oil paintings of a young Smalls and his extended family filling the kitchen on Saturday night as they prepare for their weekly feast."--Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

★"Smalls and Millner's pitch-perfect dialogue imbues the various characters with life. Relying on his signature oil paintings, Morrison adds energy and verve....The joy of cooking--and family--brought to brilliant life."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

About the Author

Alexander Smalls is a James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author, and raconteur. He is a regular celebrity chef on the Today show, Top Chef, and other Food Network shows, and is the founder of the first contemporary modern African Dining Hall in Dubai. Smalls is also a world-renowned opera singer and the winner of both a Grammy Award and a Tony Award for the cast recording of Porgy and Bess. When Alexander Graced the Table, based on Alexander's childhood, is his first picture book. Follow him at AlexanderSmalls.com.

Denene Millner is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and director of the Denene Millner Books imprint. She has written more than thirty books for adults, teens, and children, among them her novel One Blood, a multi-generational epic about motherhood and adoption, and Early Sunday Morning, a children's picture book. She is the host of Speakeasy with Denene, a podcast produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting. A MacDowell Fellow, Denene lives in Atlanta with her two daughters and their adorable Goldendoodle, Teddy. Visit her at DeneneMillner.com.

Frank Morrison is the award-winning illustrator of many books for young readers, including Jazzy Miz Mozetta, winner of the Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent; Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book; Muhammad Ali; and How Sweet the Sound. Before becoming a children's book illustrator and fine artist, Morrison toured the globe as a break-dancer. He lives in Georgia with his family. Visit him at MorrisonGraphics.com.