Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In an artfully rendered picture book that spans numerous events, a child recounts a Black family's tradition of standing around a table under a river birch tree that's draped with Spanish moss. Eady (The Last Stand) movingly traces the occasions, along the way highlighting ideals about what the table represents. In an early scene, generations gather to honor "Grandpa and Grandma... for the family they've built." The child protagonist makes a face as the grandparents exchange loving kisses: "This is the table of love. (Sloppy love, if you ask me.)" The family also celebrates with fireworks and shows up for the narrator's uncles' wedding ("This is the table of pride"), before gathering for a low-country boil and a Juneteenth celebration ("This is the table of freedom"). Ladd (When I Hear Spirituals) employs acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, giving each verdant image impasto-like height, and elegantly underlining themes "Of love. Of hope. Of pride. Of freedom" as the family members come together again and again--never leaving empty-handed. An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--5--This poetic story about the table where the narrator's family gathers for reunions, holidays, and special events is a tribute to family. The food at the gathering table changes throughout the year--a lowcountry boil at crabbing season or a three-tiered rainbow cake for a wedding. But one thing remains certain: the food nourishes the body and soul of all who gather. The illustrations are cohesive but never one-note. Every picture centers the same yard and table, here in deep summer greens for Juneteenth, now under a colorful New Year's sky. Overall, this creates a sense of familiarity, inviting readers into the intimacy and stability the family shares. The multimedia paintings also have a depth and texture that is immersive, bringing viewers close while the edge of the yard fades into the background. Eady's author's note adds nuance to the poem, describing his childhood gathering table and how the illustrations reflect the Sea Islands and the Gullah Geechee who call them home. VERDICT Beautiful illustrations and rhythmic writing make this a wonderful read-aloud book about family "love, hope, pride, and freedom."--Shelby Hogle
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Milestones in the life of a loving Black family. A young boy explains that on special occasions, his family gathers outdoors around a big wooden table beneath the shade of a moss-draped tree. They honor Grandpa and Grandma "for the family they've built," watch fireworks light up the sky, and come together for the wedding of the protagonist's uncles, who "can finally say:I do." Punctuated with the phrase "This is the table," the text is elegant and reverent, though laced with appropriately childlike observations from the young narrator. "This is the table oflove / Slobbery love, if you ask me," the boy notes as Grandpa asks Grandma for a kiss. And after the protagonist's younger sister is born, "This is the table ofhope. / (And I hope someone gets a diaper change ASAP.)" Eady's words often emphasize the connections between humans and the natural world around them, while Ladd's deeply saturated mixed-media illustrations portray a lush, verdant Lowcountry summer and wring joy from simple yet meaningful moments. Somehow everyone ends up wearing icing from the wedding cake, and when a Lowcountry boil is on the menu, an overhead image depicts eager hands reaching across a newspaper-covered table for corn, crabs, and potatoes. Various skin tones and hairstyles show the diversity that can exist within a single Black family. Sumptuous and immersive--perfect for encouraging kids to celebrate their own family connections. (author's note)(Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
