Author: Antwan Eady
Illustrators: Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Prime Audiences: Children and Grandchildren of Farmers
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Publication Year: 2024
Earl's Pumpkins, Peppers, Plums, & Eggs is the last stand at the local Farmer's Market, and each Saturday, Little Earl helps Papa load up the blue truck with their harvest to bring to the market. But one Saturday Papa is too tired, and it's up to Little Earl to bring the harvest to the market for Ms. Rosa, Mr. Johnny, Mrs. Brown, and everyone else who depends on the last stand.
I can always count on finding a good new book whenever I visit Book People in Austin, and Antwan Eady and the Pumphrey brothers' The Last Stand is another great find! Papa reminds me of my grandfather on my father's side, Paw-Paw, and of the gardens he and my grandmother grew. Eady's text is a garden of imagery, especially Little Earl's descriptions of Papa— the honor and respect for him is a clear nod to the real farmers who inspire the book. Eady adds a heartfelt author's note about Black farmers, calling the book "a love letter" and "an apology, too."
If gardening is in your blood, if the memory of fruits and vegetables from your parent's and grandparent's gardens is still fresh, The Last Stand will make your heart smile!
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