When Alexander Graced the Table

K-Gr 4–Sunday dinners after church are a feast at Alexander’s house. The Black family turns out each week for meals lovingly prepared by Alexander’s mother. He is her top helper and takes pride in cooking. “Alexander stayed right by Mom’s side. She would put him in charge of things: peeling the eggs for the potato salad, shredding the cheese for the macaroni and cheese, shelling the pecans for the pie. Alexander loved how doing these things with care made food amazing.” Pleasing his father, however, proves difficult for Alexander, who then comes up with an extra special dessert just for Dad. Alexander’s perspective is evident on the page; text and pictures allow readers to feel just how tall everyone else is around him. Oil paintings are profoundly expressive and bring the warmth of the kitchen to this story of family and food. Back matter includes a recipe for Alexander’s lemon ice box pie with meringue for young readers to make with an adult.