When Alexander Graced the Table
Review posted June 23, 2025.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. 36 pages.
Review written June 9, 2025, from a library book.
Starred Review
Here's a gorgeous picture book telling about when chef Alexander Smalls made his first pie for his family's Sunday dinner.
Every spread is lavishly illustrated, and we start out with a view of the hustle and bustle around Sunday dinners - the highlight of Alexander's whole life.
His Mom and Dad and sisters and Papa and Grandma and Auntie and Uncle and cousins would all gather and enjoy them together.
The week may have been long and a little tough, but Sunday dinners meant family was there for you. They gave faith in tomorrow.
And then, one Saturday night, Alexander's Mom gives him permission to make his own franks and beans - and they turn out delicious! But his father didn't want any.
So - Alexander makes something special for Sunday dinner - especially to please his father. He uses graham crackers, sugar, butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and lots and lots of lemons, fresh off the tree.
And then we have a wonderful figurative drum roll when Alexander graces the table with a pie he made all by himself.
There's a close-up of his father's face for the moment of truth.
The recipe is at the back of the book - with a note that it's the first pie the chef ever made. Clearly the joy of making people happy led Alexander to his life's work.
And this window on that inspiration will make you feel like you're there.