JOSE FEEDS THE WORLD: A Story Worth Reading

 Some picture book biographies focus on well-known folks, as I wrote about years ago, HERE. Entire rows of library shelves are devoted to a few such historic figures. In many cases, though, biographies reveal to us those spectacular lives we had not previously heard about, as does the picture book I recently reviewed HERE.

Then there are individuals whose lives are contemporary and compelling, who continue to make history and change lives as I type these words and as you read them. JOSE ANDRES is one such individual, whose name might ring a bell. If not, this might:

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

Yes, THAT Jose Andres. Increasingly destructive natural disasters, global wars, and other desperate situations have kept this remarkable organization and the man who launched the WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN in the news. And WCK has kept people alive during the most devastating conditions. Such an altruist, such an innovator, such a generous man deserves at least one picture book. In this year alone there are TWO. A Plate of Hope is a fantastic account of this remarkable man and his work, which I reviewed HERE.

DUOPRESS: Imprint of SOURCE BOOKS, 2024

I'm impressed but not surprised that such a giant of a man, with such an expansive personality, would merit more than one biography for young readers. A second picture book on this man and his mission is titled JOSE FEEDS THE WORLD: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People In Need Around the World. Written by David Unger and illustrated by Maria Alvarez Miguens, this account shares the origins of Jose's love of cooking and sharing food with those who need it. 

The illustrations are colorful and inviting, like the best foods. The book case front and back reveal a reverse of this circle story theme in Jose's life and choices. On the front we see a world famous chef, his initiatives and innovations providing shared-food experiences where they are most needed. The back cover reveals his beginnings, with his farther helping Jose tend the fire for the massive preparations of paella to serve at large home gatherings. It was at home, when his parents (both nurses) brought their caring ways into the home and kitchen, that Jose learned to cook. Jose soon decided his favorite place to be was his cocina- kitchen-- foreshadowing the title for his eventual global efforts. 

His earliest goals, to share delicious Spanish food with the world, earned success and awards as a master chef, changing appreciation for his food across backgrounds. This version of his life story emphasizes the globalization of his mission to share food: a local food pantry/soup kitchen, an impromptu effort with chef/friends to feed the hungry during the 2010 Haiti earthquake. There he learned that adapting available foods to local cultures made their efforts more successful as nourishment and as reassurance and comfort. 

That effort led to forming the non-profit WCK, organizing support to mobilize in emergencies, and exploring ways to combine warmth and comfort food with local survival resources, from apples to MRIs (meals-ready-to-eat  from the military). In each case, from flood to war zones, reservations to covid care, he and his team learned and innovated and adapted to become more effective, to reach more people, to lead others to help others. 

As it happens, his success in feeding stomachs also fed spirits, inspired resilience, and sparked innovation. Not unlike tending the fires under his papa's paella pan. This version of Jose's story underscores the global expansion of WCK and also serves to inspire readers to imagine  themselves in a serving future. He is a large physical presence at this stage of life, but the account of his personality and accomplishments let readers recognize in him the child in the kitchen who launched this journey to greatness

Whichever version you read, and I hope you'll read both, you'll feel the heartwarming truth of this man's life. Despite losing teams in war zones and the ever-increasing needs throughout the world, Jose Andres is living a life that models the real meaning of a successful life. May the bookshelves fill with more of his stories.

GOOD DEEDS, Indeed! A PLATE OF HOPE

 I've referenced in prior posts the lyrics for a Rogers and Hammerstein classic, YOU'VE GOT TO BE CAREFULLY TAUGHT. Its powerful lyrics recount the ways in which all of us, in early days, view the world with openness, but hate and bias can (and are) taught through exposure to those vile practices. I know these are also beliefs, abstract concepts, but, like kindness, words are far less potent as teachers than are actions. Especially when practiced by and observed in those we love and admire.

RANDOM HOUSE STUDIO, 2024

In this new picture book, A PLATE OF HOPE: The Inspiring Story of Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen, by Erin Frankel and Paola Escobar, that truth resonates on every page. In this case, the lessons learned are of love and acceptance. The chef and founder of WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN learned his lifelong love of sharing food and support within his family, through their actions and lived commitment. Readers learn of Andres' early years in Spain visually (and with deftly-used bilingual lines throughout) in which his family shares meals with many in their community. His papa not only concocts a gloriously generous paella, he reminds Andres that "keeping the fire burning" is essential, even more important than stirring or adding ingredients. That metaphorical charge pairs with the occasional language patterns that mirror "the house that Jack built" to set Andres on a course for his lifetime mission. 

Endpapers brilliantly convey how global lives are actually interconnected individuals, depending on each other while also uplifting others, with the food of the world as a unifying force. We follow childhood Jose through his dream of creating food that would warm hearts and inspire others. Into adulthood, his travels and learning, lead to developing his own restaurants and chefs, earning accolades for innovation and irresistible cuisine. His mission remained to reach all people, especially those who most need to have their stomachs and hearts filled with acceptance and courage. It was an enormous goal, but he believed ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

His first "mass kitchen" emerged in Haiti after an earthquake that devastated the small island country. He dreamed even bigger and founded WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN with a goal that none should ever go hungry. When Hurricane Maria caused unparalleled destruction in Puerto Rico, Andres got to work. Throughout the country he and his ever-growing team of chefs and volunteers prepared food at kitchens across the island to feed hungry people, and to make clear that they were not forgotten, they were cared for. His standard was always high- the food must be hot and good! It always inc lauded Paella is much more than rice. It is a message of love and connection. 

Since then, WCK (World Central Kitchen) has grown and served throughout places of natural disaster, war, chronic hunger (right here inn the US) and more. They are recognized by governments and warring parties with respect, although their work is far from safe. In April of this year a convoy was attacked and workers were killed while heading to a distribution site in  Gaza. Despite his heartbreak about this horror, Chef Andres and WCK workers remain committed to serving those who hunger and feel ignored. His story is made both appealing and accessible in this outstanding new picture book. It's a book that can help us make sure young folks are "carefully taught" and inspired to grow and know- Anything Is Possible.