José Feeds the World is a cheerfully-illustrated picture book biography about a servant-heart who feeds those in need.
José Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People in Need Around the World by David Unger and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns. duopress, 2024. 40 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 6-10
- Recommended For: Ages 6 and up
José was born in Spain. His parents both worked in a local hospital. But more importantly, he watched them be hospitable. Young José wanted to be a chef when he grew up, and he did so! He created his own recipes and began winning awards.
After he moved to the U.S., he started volunteering with a local soup kitchen in D.C.. He also volunteered in Haiti in 2010 after an earthquake damaged the country. While in Haiti, he realized the things he knew how to cook might not be the best fit for a different country (climate, resources, traditional foods, etc.). He was with some friends, and they learned to cook the Haitian way. That’s what the people needed, after all, and he was there to help.
José came home from his Haitian experience committed to doing a new thing. He started the World Central Kitchen to help people around the world who needed food due to traumatic circumstances. It looks different in different countries and with different disasters, but the mission stays the same: feed people in need. During Covid in New York City, that looked like feeding tends of thousands of hospital workers. He’d come full circle from his parents’ inspiration: “his memories of his parents gave him so many good ideas.”
This picture book biography is inspiring and heart-warming. The artwork is vibrant and interesting, showing the many facets of José’s life and experiences. The book ends with a note to young readers that someday they will find their calling, too.
Bottom Line: A cheerfully-illustrated picture book biography about a servant-heart who feeds those in need. Look for it at your local library!
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Book Review: Go Forth and Tell — another picture book biography about someone who followed her calling.
- Resource: What the World Eats: a Global Food Roundup
- Book Review: A World Wonder by Laura Wifler (another picture book about following your calling)
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