Jestenia Southerland – illustratör

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.Family Traditions: Ruby loves her family's Reunion Day dinner, but she wants more than anything to have a "signature dish" of her very own.African American Tradition: Celebrate the joy of a classic soul food gathering, from Pop-Pop's sizzling fried chicken to Daddy's perfect mac'n'cheese.Black Representation in Books: A heartwarming story featuring a loving, supportive, and beautifully illustrated Black family that all children can feel seen in.Finding Your Place: Even the youngest family members can make a big contribution! Follows Ruby as she discovers she's not too little to help after all.