Parents should know that When Alexander Graced the Table is a heartwarming picture book by authors Alexander Smalls, also a renowned chef, and Denene Millner. Illustrated by award-winning artist Frank Morrison, each page feels cozy and welcoming. The story highlights one family's tradition of coming together every Sunday for dinner, and highlights the youngest member's desire to show love through cooking. Alexander masters one dish but strives to improve his skills and earn his father's attention and praise. At its core, the book explores themes of love passed down through generations, the importance of quality time, and the joy of cooking together.
Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A heartwarming story of expressing love through food.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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What's the Story?
Sundays are extra special in When Alexander Graced the Table. It's Alexander's favorite day of the week, because it's the time when all his loved ones come together to share a homemade meal. The family works in harmony for hours to prepare—perfecting recipes, picking fresh ingredients from their garden, and setting the table. Everyone pitches in, except for Alexander's father. When Alexander discovers his gift for cooking, he decides to make his father's favorite dish, lemon icebox pie, hoping to capture his attention. But will the pie be enough to impress him?
Is It Any Good?
Everyone is going to want a seat at Alexander's dinner table after reading this heartwarming story. When Alexander Graced the Table is a sweet reminder of the joy of spending time with family and expressing love through cooking. You can almost smell the delicious food on the table in Morrison's gorgeous illustrations. Alexander's gratitude for his experiences and memories with his family are inspiring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alexander learns how to make his favorite dish (and his father's favorite dish) in When Alexander Graced the Table. What have you learned from a parent or elder in your family? What's your favorite thing to eat? Find a recipe and ask an adult to help you cook it.
Alexander's family grows fresh food in their garden. Does your family or community have a garden? What grows there?
Sunday dinner is a special family tradition. What are your favorite family traditions?
Alexander likes savory food. His father likes sweet food. Which do you prefer and why?
Alexander is grateful for their Sunday family dinners. What about your family are you grateful for?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Frank Morrison
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Cooking
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publishers : Denene Milner Books , Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 7, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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