Soul Food Sunday

In this abundantly satisfying picture book, a large Black family--"Mommas and Poppas, / aunts and uncles, / nieces, nephews, and a whole lot of cousins"--gathers for Soul Food Sunday every week at Granny's. Bingham nimbly sets the scene with age-appropriate observations and rich dialogue, describing how the family spreads through Granny's house before the child narrator takes a new route, following Granny into the kitchen: " 'You're a big boy now, ' Granny says. 'Time for you to learn.' " She lovingly explains the steps for preparing mac 'n' cheese, greens, and meat, then leaves the narrator to complete the steps ("Now when you're finished, come see me"). The child tires but perseveres, conveying a memorable refrain, "My hand hurt./ My arm aches./ But I don't quit," before adding one last surprise to the feast. Bright typography emphasizes rhythmic lines and onomatopoeia. Distinctive, mural-like paintings by Esperanza, done in vibrant-hued oils on masonite board, emphasize dynamic perspectives and angles, as well as, through close-ups of near-realistic expressions, the family's closeness. This nourishing story will gratify soul food aficionados, as well as anyone who's experienced how bonds strengthen through food and traditions. Back matter includes creators' notes plus a recipe for mac 'n' cheese. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

K-Gr 3--On Sundays everyone rolls up to Grandma's house for a soul food feast of chicken, ribs and sausage, greens, mac 'n' cheese, and sweet tea. Not so much a story as a slice of life, this vividly illustrated picture book welcomes readers into an extended family's warm weekly ritual. Roles are divided by gender and age: Men watch football (apart from Grill Chef Roscoe Ray), women gather in the kitchen to prepare the food and set the table, and the kids play. This Sunday there's a change, as the young male protagonist takes on the role of sous-chef to his grandmother, grating endless blocks of cheese for the baked macaroni, rinsing off the greens, prepping the raw meat for the grill, and finally making the pitcher of sweet iced tea all by himself. Esperanza's brightly realistic oil paintings echo the warmth and humor in this extended family, and tantalize readers with images of the delicious food on the table. Each member of this Black family is individually characterized with fabulous hairstyles (Grandma's cornrows are purple) and fantastic outfits that include Afrikan print aprons and elephant slippers. Readers will want to join this happy, hungry family and partake of this feast; Bingham allows for that by providing the recipe for a delicious cheesy dish as well as tips for cleaning the grit from the greens. VERDICT A book that invites readers into an extended family's moment in time, this welcoming title should be on any shelf addressing family life, celebrations, and food.--Jane Barrer, United Nations International Sch., New York