Winsome Bingham and Wiley Blevins are the authors of the new children's picture book The Table. Bingham's other books include Soul Food Sunday. Blevins's other books include Phonics from A to Z.
Q: What inspired you to write The Table, and how did you collaborate on the book?
Wiley: One day, Winsome and I were talking about all the family events that occur around a kitchen table—how it bears witness to so many conversations and happenings. We wondered, “What if a table could talk? What stories would it tell? What secrets would our childhood tables reveal?”
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| Wiley Blevins |
That was the spark for this book. It felt different from any other book we had read. I wrote the first half of the book, then passed it on to Winsome to complete. It was an easy and fun collaboration.
Winsome: I am an advocate for empowerment and purpose. In children’s books,
we tend to write stories so children can understand who they are as a person,
as one being. But they can also learn from inanimate objects like this table in
The Table.
This book is about purpose. Everything has a purpose. Every child, animal, living and nonliving thing has a purpose. For this table, it is to bring people together. It is to provide a space where families spend time together; and share food and conversations and games together.
The inspiration came from Wiley and I noticing a similar spread in two different books illustrated by two different artists. One of the books was edited by Wiley. The other book was written by me.
We both noticed that there was a kitchen scene and they were so similar. In both books, the table had agency. And from there, we brainstormed what story that table would tell.
Q: What do you think Jason Griffin’s art contributed to the book?
Winsome: This picture book is the perfect marriage of text and art and here is why: this book is about THE TABLE. Therefore, the table is the protagonist, the main character, the object of agency and autonomy. We can see the love for the table by the families in their treatment of it.
Jason Griffin shows us how it is being used by one family. And how it is being restored by the other. But I love how he interpreted the story. How he knew what needed to be emphasized spoke to the brilliance of who he is. He made some bold choices and it showed he truly understood the purpose of a picture book.
Wiley: Jason’s illustrations are unique, detailed, and elevated. He made the table the main character in his art, which is the intent of the text. That was a bold and brave choice. In this way, every reader can see himself or herself sitting around this table—the reader is not distracted by the families in the story.
He also layered in so many details that connect the two families, such as the bracelets worn by the girl in each family—a subtle yet powerful connection.
Jason’s approach to this book is artistically brilliant. It’s unlike any other children’s book I have seen. The cover is especially moving for me. It looks nearly identical to a place near my childhood home where my father and I stood multiple times, admiring and appreciating the beauty of our mountain community.
My dad once said that this spot is the most beautiful place on Earth and where he wanted to be buried. We honored his wish. So everyone I see the cover and I think of Dad.
Q: The School Library Journal review of the book says,
“This unique addition to the shelves celebrates the American experience through
the lens of a beloved kitchen table.” What do you think of that description?
Wiley: I agree that this book is unique—two storytellers, art
that centers a table (an inanimate object) as its main character, and a story
set in a poor rural community. None of these descriptors are common in
children’s books—hence my surprise and thrill that it was even published.
I hope that people do indeed add it to their shelves. It’s a story that speaks to the human condition in a deep and meaningful—but ultimately accessible—way. This book is for readers of all ages.
Winsome: I think that description is valid. I agree this book needs to be on every shelf. It is important that children see themselves and also that other children get to connect to folks who are not a part of their everyday life.
Q: What do you hope kids (and adults) take away from the book?
Wiley: I hope this book sparks conversations about the importance of protecting the time a family spends around a table enjoying meals and daily activities.
I also hope it sparks the sharing and passing down of memories from adults to children. This is a story that not only connects two families in the text, I hope it creates bonds between family members.
Winsome: I hope kids and adults walk away with understanding and kindness for others. I hope they will be empathetic and caring. And I hope they will be able to see the beauty in those who don't look like them.
Q: What are you working on now?
Wiley: This is likely my final children’s book. I have published 100 books but have only been able to get two published that are set in my home community. Those are the stories I want and need to tell, but publishers aren’t eager to publish stories that center the lives of poor and rural children. They don’t think there’s a market.
I also prefer experimenting with form and style in my writing—as evidenced by the two narrators and unique storytelling style in The Table.
For example, I wrote a manuscript that is essentially a backwards tale. I start the book with “And they lived happily ever after” and end it with “Once upon a time.” As I “peel the onion” of the story, details are revealed that shock and surprise and reveal more to the story than a reader will first imagine.
This kind of writing is what excites me, yet it’s not easily categorized and confuses publishers in terms of how to market it—thus making it difficult for me to get my books published. The Table is the book I have most wanted to share—the story that is most personal to me. I think it’s a fitting way to end my writing career.
Winsome: Let me just say, whenever Wiley talks about The Table being his last book, it chips away tiny pieces of my heart. I love reading his writing. It will definitely be a loss for children's literature for sure.
So, right now I'm working on a nonfiction picture book about an amazing artist whose work I was introduced to while serving in Operation Desert Storm. Her life and legacy is fascinating. And I am also revising a novel I have written. It will be my debut novel.
Q: Anything else we should know?
Wiley: Since this book is told through two narrators, it’s a great shared read aloud for two voices and a great book for students to present to the class in pairs—each taking on one part of the story. I hope teachers and librarians use the book to spark students’ writing about their table memories.
Through these types of activities children will develop a sense of how we are all more alike than different. That is an important message, especially in today’s world.
Winsome: I think The Table is perfect for writing assignments. Teachers should use it to introduce lessons which addresses themes of FAMILY, COMMUNITY, REGIONS, and STORIES.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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