The Gathering Table

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

The author of Nigel and the Moon delivers a joyful picture book about how a Southern family gathers around a special table for year-round celebrations that highlight the importance of family, community, and coming together.

In my family,

there are traditions.

And my favorite—

happen around this table.

No matter the season, no matter the reason, the love that surrounds this boy's family table is palpable and neverending. From a golden anniversary to Juneteenth, a special wedding to a new baby sister, here is a family that never forgets to come together and celebrate what it truly means to be there for each other.

Heartfelt illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals how Gullah Geechee culture contributes to a family's love, and reminds us the importance of building community one gathering at a time.

About the Author

Antwan Eady is the author of the award-winning picture book Nigel and the Moon, illustrated by Gracey Zhang and The Last Stand, illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey, which received seven starred reviews. Down the dirt roads of South Carolina’s Low Country is where Antwan’s understanding of—and appreciation for—family, community, and land unfolded. Now he shares those stories with the world. When he isn’t writing, he’s visiting schools, libraries, and colleges throughout the country. A graduate of Clemson University, Antwan lives in Savannah, Georgia.

Author Residence: Savannah, GA

Author Hometown: Garnett, SC

London Ladd is a prominent illustrator who has received recognition from the American Library Association, Parent's Choice Awards, Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, American Illustration, and World Illustration Awards and has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. London has illustrated numerous critically acclaimed books, including Black Gold, My Red, White, and Blue, and You So Black, as well as newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. London is currently an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. He resides in Syracuse, NY.

Illustrator Residence:Syracuse, NY