Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner

On Here Wee Read's 2021 Ultimate List of Diverse Children's Books!

Publisher Weekly Starred Review! "Warm digital art by Southerland makes excellent use of light and shadow, and offers a lovely portrait of an expressive family with varying hairstyles and body types. This hopeful, mouthwatering narrative showcases tender family rapport."

This joyful picture book taps into the rich African American tradition of family reunions, with delicious food at the heart of the celebration. Perfect for fans of the Caldecott Honor Book Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons.

Once a year, each of Ruby's relatives prepares a special dish to share at their family reunion. Daddy calls it their "signature dish"--and Ruby wants one of her own. She wanders through the bustling kitchen looking for inspiration. As she watches Pop-Pop's chicken sizzling in the skillet, Uncle G slicing onions, and Auntie Billie cooking corn on the hot grill, she wonders if she's just too young to have a signature dish. That's when she finds it-- the perfect solution!

Angela Dalton's warm text is perfectly paired with Jestenia Southerland's beautiful art in this sweet picture book, filled with the tenderness and warmth of this multigenerational extended family and the food they share.

Jestenia Southerland is an illustrator living in Dover, Delaware. She received an MFA in Illustration from Syracuse University and a BFA in Film and Television Studies from Boston University. In her art, she aims to portray a sense of whimsy through bright colors, graphic shapes, and charming characters. Visit her online at www.citrusfoam.com.

Angela Dalton is a children's book author living in Oakland, California. She likes trying new recipes and hopes to one day create her signature dish. Her first book, If You Look Up to the Sky, is followed by Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner. Visit her online at www.angeladalton.com.