(2) K-3 Illustrated by Cherise Harris. Chef and Food Network star Hall ­presents an affectionate ­food-and-family story. Young Carla, her sister, and their mother take their customary festive drive to the girls' grandparents' house on Christmas Eve. Of all the delicacies on offer there, Carla is most excited for Granny's cornbread: "my favorite." After dinner, disaster strikes: Carla mistakenly takes a bite out of the cookie left out for Santa. What other sweet (and savory and starchy) treat might Santa--and readers, too, if they follow the appended recipe--enjoy? Acrylic and digital illustrations provide details that are culturally specific (nighttime hair rollers; Black Santa ornament); period-setting (roll-up car windows, antenna TV); and mouth-watering (cinnamon butter!).

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021