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:
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.
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. 
DUOPRESS: Imprint of SOURCE BOOKS, 2024
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.
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