This interview originally appeared in the November/December 2025 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers’ Previews: Picture Books and Graphic Novels, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

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A poet and a painter take us to a Family Feast!

Frank Morrison photo: Lucas Garzoli.

1. Carole, what do people count on from you for the table?

My granddaughters look for my roasted chili-rubbed turkey breast. I pan-roast potatoes, carrots, and onions, and make a pan of stuffing for my daughter.

2. Frank, how do you make a table look full but not chaotic?

I make sure everybody has their holiday favorites. Turkey and ham, collard greens, mac & cheese, and stuffing. Friends have made requests for fish, beef, red snapper, catfish…the more family and friends, the bigger the menu. Now those sweet short delights, sweet potato pie, apple pie, and peach cobbler, have their own table. The sweets table is usually guarded by that takes-no-nonsense, eat-all-of-your vegetables auntie. Sadly, no one eats her potato salad.

3. Carole, do you think in rhyme or poetic form even when you’re not trying to?

No, but I find poetry in everyday life, even in the kitchen. If you think about it, recipes — with sparse, linear text surrounded by white space — resemble poetry on the page. And menus at the best restaurants read like beautiful poetry.

4. Frank, which tube of paint is your best friend?

My favorite tube is King’s Blue, but don’t tell Burnt Sienna; she catches attitudes.

5. When, what, with whom, and where is your next feast?

CBW: My next feast will be at Thanksgiving. I’m not sure whether I’ll host or carry dishes to my daughter’s house. Either way, it’ll be a time to remember.

FM: Brooklyn! I love celebrating with my family and friends there.

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