Carla and the Christmas Cornbread

Top Chef contestant and culinary personality Hall relays a sweetly nostalgic tale following young Carla, who, with her sister Kim and their mother, visits her grandparents on Christmas Eve. Carla's favorite tradition is her grandma's cast-iron skillet cornbread; after enjoying the treat, spending time with her grandparents, and donning her Christmas jammies, Carla finds a cookie laying out--only to discover, after she chomps into it, that it's for Santa. Carla fears she's ruined Christmas, but Granny helps her bake a fitting substitute. Hall conveys the familial love permeating every interaction in accessible dialogue: "Don't worry about that ol' cookie. I've got a better idea." In warm, vintage-toned acrylic inks and digital art, Harris beautifully renders the nuances of Christmas in a close-knit Black family, from taking off shoes at the door to foam rollers adorning the girls' hair as they lay down to sleep, in this gift of a book. Back matter includes a recipe for Carla's Christmas Cornbread and Cinnamon Butter. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)

Gr 1-3--The celebrity chef gives us a warm tale with a nostalgic tone. The book follows young Carla on her way to her grandmother's house for Christmas Eve. Harris's detailed illustrations portray a Christmas dinner filled with soul food favorites, including Carla's favorite corn bread. Everything is going well for Carla, until she accidentally takes a bite of Santa's cookie. Granny swoops in to the rescue, and together Carla and Granny make Santa fresh corn bread and cinnamon butter. The story is slow to get started, but students won't mind relishing and discussing their favorite details of holiday traditions. The colorful illustrations will support readers' comprehension and engagement. with the narrative. Back matter includes a recipe for corn bread and cinnamon butter. This book provides a positive and authentic representation of a family of color, including Black Santa, and is a sweet Christmas story. VERDICT Recommended for elementary collections, especially those in need of positive, authentic representation of families of color, especially in holiday books.--Christina Salazar, Mesquite I.S.D., TX