SOUL FOOD SUNDAY

On Soul Food Sunday, one of the youngest members of the family tags along with Granny to learn what goes into making the hallmark foods of Sunday dinner.

An African American family gathers for their weekly Soul Food Sunday dinner. One of the youngest grandchildren finally gets to help in the kitchen and dons the jacket of his late grandfather’s Army chef’s uniform for the special day. Nearby, a picture of his grandfather seems to look on approvingly. Granny and her helper shred cheese and clean and prep the various greens and meats. With each step, the narrator gives it his all in a rhythmic, pleasingly repetitive text, and Granny warmly approves. After the food begins to cook, Granny takes a nap, and her little helper goes back to the kitchen and prepares a pitcher of sweet tea all by himself. After all, as Granny says about each item they’ve prepped together, the greens, the mac ’n’ cheese, and the meat, “Unless sweet tea is on the table, it’s not Soul Food Sunday.” The lively, graffitilike illustrations are slightly reminiscent of the 1990s, seen in grill master Roscoe Ray’s flip-top sunglasses, Granny’s goddess braids, and the narrator’s high-top fade. There are times, however, when the light, spindly type fails to hold up against such robust illustrations. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Perfectly suited to be shared with both those of the culture and those looking on.