Don’t Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Published: September 2010
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t know too many families who get to have Sunday dinners with family and friends anymore but it is something worth making the time for. It can be a time filled with love and laughter, family stories and the sharing of traditions from one generation to another. Don’t Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table made me think about family gatherings when I lived in Long Island. Cousins playing, singing, making up dance moves, and performing for family. Our grandfather is a preacher and Papa Jones can talk. Much like my own father. We know my Daddy can be long-winded and he knows it too so he’s been keeping our blessing of the food brief these days. Auntie Mabel, I get you. You’ve got a lot to be thankful for but the food has long been cold and your guests are ready to eat.
Don’t Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table will tickle your funny bone and I’ll bet you already have someone in mind that she reminds you of. Vanessa Brantley-Newton is both the author and illustrator. I enjoyed her rhyming text and her art that captures the expressions in everyone’s faces throughout the duration of Mabel’s lengthy prayer. One person even falls asleep. Hillarious. I agree with the age range recommendation of 4-8. We don’t own this title in our library yet but we do own Mary Had a Little Glam (written by Tammi Sauer, 2016), Grandma’s Purse (2018), and The King of Kindergarten (written by Derrick Barnes, 2019).
Shout-Outs
Vanessa Brantley-Newton | https://www.vanessabrantleynewton.com/welcome
Blue Apple Books | https://blueapplebooks.com/
Borrowed from the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
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The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
The King of Kindergarten makes my heart melt to see this brilliant Black boy shining with his smile so bright, donning his crown just right. He’s a big boy now, doing big boy things-all by himself! Just the way his mom and dad had prepared him to. When the first day of kindergarten arrives, he is so ready. He washes his face, gets dressed on his own and boards the bus with confidence. He meets his new teacher, says his name with pride, makes new friends and learns new things that he can’t wait to tell his parents about when he gets home. He had a very good day and can’t wait to do it all over again. Read the full review here.
CeCeLibrarian’s Book Blog 
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