Chef Alexander Smalls tells the “story of how it came about” in his first children’s book (exclusive)

Alexander Smalls is preparing a great new book.

The James Beard Award-winning chef will soon publish his first children’s book. When Alexander graced the tableEarly next year. The project, co-written with bestselling author Denene Millner and published by her publisher Denene Millner Books, will hit stores in January.

The book features illustrations by Frank Morrison and is described as a celebration of family and tradition. Young Alexander always looks forward to the weekly Sunday dinner, when his whole family gathers after church to eat together. When he is given the task of preparing his own dish for the first time, he must figure out how to prepare a meal that will satisfy his family.

Smalls, a renowned opera singer who won a Grammy and a Tony Award for the cast recording of Porgy and Bessis already a published author. His memoirs and cookbook Greet the tablewhich contains recipes from his childhood in South Carolina, was published in 1997, and his cookbook Meals, Music and Muses: Recipes from my African-American Kitchen was published in 2020. His 2018 cookbook Between Harlem and Heavenwritten with JJ Johnson and Veronica Chambers, won the James Beard Award for Best American Cookbook.

Smalls, who regularly appears at The TODAY Show and Food Network shows, tells PEOPLE that his new book is based on his own childhood experiences.

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“When Alexander graced the table is a love letter to my parents, Alexander and Johnnie Mae Smalls, to my upbringing in a close-knit Southern family, to our Gullah-Geechie culture and customs, and of course, to my joy in using food to build community and connection,” says Smalls. “It’s really a child-friendly depiction of my creation story that I’ve wanted to put on paper for a long time.”

When Alexander graced the table will introduce Smalls’ passion for cooking to a younger audience – and some new recipes too.

“The bonus is that children everywhere can read this story and reflect on how the same love that encouraged and enriched me as a child is also present in their families,” Smalls continues. “And they will love the Lemon Ice Box Pie recipe!”

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