Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm story shows Sundays as time for family, love, food.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SOUL FOOD SUNDAY invites readers into the home of Granny and her family on the most important day of the week. Sunday is dedicated to soul food, family, learning, and love. Granny's grandson is, "a big boy now," so this particular Sunday it's time for him to learn how to cook. With a watchful eye and a dedicated heart, her grandson lovingly helps prepare macaroni and cheese, meats, and greens. Just when the mouthwatering cooking comes to end, Granny's grandson adds a sweet surprise to dinner all by himself. But will his family enjoy his recipe?
Is It Any Good?
This book is warm and fun, as it's equal parts love and delicious homemade food. Soul Food Sunday delivers a familiar and comforting glimpse into the world of one family's tradition, based around food but grounded in love and quality time. Charles G. Esperanza's illustrations are bold and bright, while Winsome Bingham's use of exciting words, including onomatopoeia, are engaging. Readers will be inspired by the delicious food on the pages, and may want to try the recipe for macaroni and cheese at the conclusion of the book, or whip up one of their family's favorites to continue the experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Soul Food Sunday is about a family tradition of cooking and sharing food together. Does your family cook food together? Do you have another special family tradition?
lllustrator Charles G. Esperanza was inspired by brightly colored graffiti in the the Bronx, New York, to create his drawings for this Soul Food Sunday. Think about the colors, shapes, and styles in your neighborhood. Draw or paint a picture based on your inspiration.
Granny feels so proud of her grandson for learning how to cook with her, and then making a recipe by himself. Is there something you'd like to learn how to cook? Who can teach you the recipe? Try to practice!
Book Details
- Author: Winsome Bingham
- Illustrator: Charles G. Esperanza
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Cooking and Baking , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: November 16, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated: March 29, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate