José Feeds the World by David Unger, illustrated by Marta Álvares Miguéns. Duopress, 2024. 9781728279527
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3.5
Format: Hardcover picture book
Genre: Biography
What did you like about the book? Food can truly save the world! This book follows the life and journey of José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen. The development of World Central Kitchen and their mission to help those struck by disaster shows how even something as small as a sandwich and apple can drastically change someone’s life. The digital art does a phenomenal job of reflecting the text, with some especially beautiful double page spreads peppered throughout the story. From watching his family cook for their patients to creating the World Central Kitchen, Andres shows how cooking can help those in need. The reader is able to watch the organization grow and develop over time and ends up learning about WCK’s current work. The back matter contains a quote from José Andrés as well as a list of his many accomplishments.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The narrative was very wordy and long-winded. The text to page ratio is tough to get through especially when the age range is for 4+ (pre-k/kindergarten). The narrative also lacks flow and rhythm.
To whom would you recommend this book? People who want to know more about famous chefs and the impact cooking can have on a community.
Who should buy this book? Elementary schools, public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Nonfiction/biographies
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Daisy Magner, Mattahunt Elementary School, Mattapan MA
Date of review: March 20, 2024
Youth Services Book Review 
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