José Feeds the World: A muti-award-winning picture book about a real-life hero's mission to feed the world

by David Unger, Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Illustrator)

The true story of José Andrés, an award-winning chef, food activist, and founder of World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief organization that uses the power of food to nourish communities after catastrophe strikes.

When a terrible earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, chef José Andrés knew he needed to help. Within a few hours of the disaster, he had gathered friends, they flew to the island, and they began cooking rice and beans for the hungry locals. This trip changed the life of the successful chef and led him to found World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief organization that has fed more than 200 million people affected by natural disasters, the COVID pandemic, and war.

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a passionate chef who uses the power of food to nurture people in need, one plate at a time.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Food, Nonfiction, Childrens, Cooking, Biography Memoir

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second informational picture book that I’ve read about Jose and I think this is my favorite out of the two. I enjoyed the artwork more and this gives more information about his childhood and all of the humanitarian work that he’s done all across the globe. The text was easier to read and provided a better biographical profile.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This picture book biography about Chef Jose Andres is a solid introduction to his life and works. The art is cute. The story has great messages about making sure people have their needs met by relying on community and dealing with these things in a culturally sensitive manner that I think is really important. I do think it feels a touch white saviour-y at times, but this may also be because I've read stuff that's been a bit critical of Andres in the last few months. Regardless, the picture book is a good story with good messages and sticks to real events, so it's worth the read, even if I'm wary of the subject.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Feed People in picture book form. The world needs to know what this man is doing. I’m so glad this book exists to introduce younger readers to his work.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, hello there Mr Andres!! Nowadays with this kind of interesting book, with wonderful illustration, kept children (and me) discovering wonderful people around the world. Reading biographies was not my favorite kind of book, but this picture book makes it easier to know who Jose Andres is. Never would I know him if not for this book. One good example of a great chef: one that feeds people. Not by making food and selling them, but by feeding people without asking for repayments, open donations for his cause, and go around the world where people need him.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This would be wonderful for a classroom that wants to learn more Spanish words. The illustrations are wonderful and make you feel like you are in their home.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef Jose Andres was born and raised by his parents in Asturias, Spain. In time he moved to the US and developed his talents as a chef to the point where he opened his own Spanish restaurant. In 2010 there was a natural disaster in another country, so he gathered friends and began to feed those who were without resources of their own. He soon established an organization to serve the hungry in places all over the world when natural disasters or war have caused people to be in need of nourishing food. There is a short glossary at the end.
The book is colorfully and delightfully illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age, great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a temporary electronic copy on Adobe Digital Editions from SOURCEBOOKS Kids/Duopress via NetGalley. Thank you!

@WCKitchen

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

José Feeds the World: How a famous chef feeds millions of people in need around the world is an excellent children's book about the life of chef José Andrés.

Born in Asturias, Spain to parents who were both nurses, José learned early how giving back to others could make things better. José decided to become a chef at the age of five and ended up going to cooking school at the age of fifteen. He moved to New York at the age of 21 and opened his own tapas restaurant in Washington D.C. at the age of 24. José volunteered in soup kitchens, seeing how food made people feel better. After volunteering in Haiti in 2010 after the natural disaster there, José started World Central Kitchen. Organizing and encouraging others to help, this famous chef created a way of providing what people needed at their most desperate.

José Feeds the World is an excellent children's book about how one person can make a difference in service of those in need. This children's book is well illustrated and provides young reader's a way of looking at how they can help others. José Feeds the World would be a great book for teachers or parents, motivating children and giving them inspiration.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this children's book was entirely my own.

[Paola Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
Una reseña breve y tierna sobre la vocación humanitaria y culinaria del chef José Andrés. Ilustraciones preciosas. Destacan mucho los principios de sostenibilidad y activación comunitaria de World Central Kitchen.
Un gran libro para enseñar a infancias sobre el trabajo humanitario y fomentar la vocación altruista.
Aunque entiendo que el libro es una mini biografía del chef José Andrés, le vendría bien una mención más explícita sobre el equipo de World Central Kitchen.

[Christina Ensling · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jose Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People in Need Around the World" by David Unger with illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguens is a fantastic new picture book biography of famous chef and humanitarian Jose Andres. The book starts off with the story of Jose's childhood where he learned about helping people from his parents who were both nurses. As a very young child Jose discovered that the kitchen was his favorite room and that food could bring both sustenance and comfort to people. As a young man he started working in some of the finest restaurants in the world. In Washington D.C. he also volunteered at a soup kitchen. And in 2010 he organized a food based mission to Haiti after an earthquake devastated the country. This led to him founding the World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit which provides food to areas devastated by natural disasters, pandemics, and wars. Jose's innovative approach to helping people by feeding them and equipping them to help each other is an inspiring story one made more vivid by Miguens inviting illustrations. I can't wait to incorporate this book into our biography study. I highly recommend this book for libraries, schools, and home collections.

[Dione Basseri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An independent but very well-done biography of the founder of World Central Kitchen, José Ramón Andrés Puerta, from his childhood in Spain, to what was then his most recent work in the Ukraine (final drafts going to the printer before WCK’s current work in Turkey, Syria, Maui, and Gaza).

I appreciate that we are shown the cooking roles of both José’s mother and father, and when José is grown, he cooks alongside people of multiple genders and a range of skin tones. However, there’s no disability rep, unless you count one older person in a hospital bed.

The digital artwork is mostly full-page, with a bit of whitespace as occasional “frames.” In the first few pages, we get to see José age in a few stages, all in a very consistent style.

Overall, a good book, which could be an excellent start for a biography report or for a school food drive. Just make sure kids understand as José did, that it’s best to provide food that makes people feel cared for, not just whatever cans are lost in the back of the pantry!

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Jocelyn Boop]

Why I chose this book:
I chose this book because it tells a great story about making a difference in the world.

What I liked about the book:
I liked the book because it shows how an idea can grow into something that helps people all over the world.

How I would use this book in a future classroom:
I would use this book when we’re talking about communities or how we can make the world a better place.

[Just Read VI · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute read. The perfect children's read that highlights how important it is to be present in your children's life. Jose didn't just want to be a chef, he wanted to help change lives through cooking. This came from him watching his parents be nurses and watching his dad feed the neighborhood. It's amazing how his parents influenced him so much he became a leader for World Center Kitchen and feed thousands of people! What a great story!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair with A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen (but pick this one if you have to choose between the two).

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

JOSE FEEDS THE WORLD is an inspirational story that highlights how one chef “changed the world through the power of food.” As a young boy, Jose realized how food is a comfort - it reminds people of home and brightens ones spirits. When civilizations throughout the world experienced disaster, war, or the pandemic, he was there devising creative ways to feed the people. He empowered people to help their own communities and developed a nonprofit that continues to feed millions of people free of charge.

An empowering read for young readers, shining a spotlight on some of the world’s hardships and how he was able to help turn the tides, if just a little, to keep food in people’s stomachs. A great read for any classroom or home.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book restores my faith in humanity!

Watching cable news and logging onto social media accounts make me fear that people are destroying the world, each other, and themselves through selfishness, greed, and hate. Reading about Chef Jose' Andre's and his World Central Kitchen gives me hope that people are actually capable of service, generosity, and love.

This picture book tells young readers about this man's life from his childhood as a son of two nurses through his love of paella made at family functions and then his training and work as a chef.

The pictures are very accessible to young readers as is the text.

The book goes on to show Andre's work in a soup kitchen, where he noticed how food made people feel better. The book then shows him going to Haiti in 2010 to volunteer after a devastating earthquake. After that experience, he started the World Central Kitchen (WCK). "His idea was to take everything he learned in the soup kitchen and use it to make a global organization that could provide free meals to people living in places affected by earthquakes, hurricanes, disease, and even war."

He and his nongovernmental agency (WCK), helped in Puerto Rico in 2017 after Hurricane Maria caused a lot of damage. After Hurricane Dorian, he and the WCK want to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas and helped feed people. After a volcano erupted in Guatemala, he and the WCK went to help. He and his organization also taught local people more about how to grow and provide food for their own people. He and the WCK also helped the Navajo Nation and NYC healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More recently, Andre's and the WCK went to Ukraine to help the people affected by war.

The book ends with children attending a career day. They are dressed as the following: an astronaut, a fire fighter, a judge, a police officer, an explorer, a healthcare worker. In the center is a child dressed as a chef, standing in a triumphant pose. Beneath the children is this statement: "And one day you, too, will find your calling and make the world a better place."

The backmatter is a list of recognitions that Jose' Andre's and the WCK have received for their work. Across from that list is this quote by Andre's: "I always said that wherever there is a fight, so hungry people and people in need may eat, that we will be there." And finally, there is a glossary.

There are kind people who are full of good works. This gives me hope! (Now where do I donate to WCK???)

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second picture book biography I've read about José Andrés and it's my favorite of the two. Here, we learn more about his childhood, the people and events that shaped both his love of cooking and his humanitarian work. \is parents were both nurses, and he spent much of his childhood in hospitals seeing doctors and nurses help people and "he realized it was possible to make life better for others in big and small ways." He also loved helping his family cook and he especially loved the weekend meals when family and friends came together, he "saw how food could make sad people feel better." I love how this ties in with the end of the book which reminds children that "one day you, too, will find your calling and make the world a better place."
We see how his love of food, and his skill as a chef, blossoms with experience and education, yet how he also keeps that spark of compassion and that humanitarian drive deep within and how the 2010 earthquake in Haiti was the catalyst that made him realize that not only must he help in some way, but that he could help by doing what he knew and loved best -- sharing food with others.
The rest of the book explains many of his other humanitarian efforts around the world and the back matter lists some of the many recognition he has received as a chef and for his work with his charity, World Central Kitchen. I do so wish there was a Bibliography or further back matter, which would have made this a five star book for me. As it is, I still think it's and inspiring and enjoyable book well-worth reading.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography introduces children to José Andrés, an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian. I wasn't aware of this man's work before, and I enjoyed learning about his childhood, his career, and the different ways that he has provided food for people in crisis. I found it particularly inspiring to see how he has continued modifying and evolving his organization's approach to best help people in sustainable ways, involving local community members in the process instead of just coming in from outside to try to help.

Parents of sensitive readers should note that this book covers multiple crises in recent history, such as weather disasters, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. The book focuses on the inspirational work that Andrés and others have done to try to help people, and it's never too heavy for the intended age group, but kids who are especially tenderhearted may need parental help in processing the sad things this book involves.

I was very impressed with this book. I wish that it had included some photographs and a timeline in the back, instead of just a list of additional facts, but this is great overall, and it's an inspiring, educational story for both kids and adults to enjoy.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely done biography of Jose Andres (excuse lack of accents!), the chef from El Bulli and many kitchens of his own establishing, who is now best known for World Central Kitchen, which rushes caterers and gear to earthquake zones, hurricane ruins and now Ukraine. They always say, don't they, that it's better to teach someone to fish than just to give him a fish – well the WCK are there for people whose rods are taken away – they would normally have no issues with supply chains, food poverty and freshness. But when disaster strikes, crops don't always survive, the power is off for days at best and everyone needs to fight to get everything back in order – which is where a full stomach helps. This was pleasantly non-preachy, easy to read, and shows Andres as very much a regular, humble chap who has led to a lot of good. It's a fine introduction to the community spirit that at best has a global reach and intent – part of the strong four stars I'm giving this is for the man and part for the book, but this is worth attention.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

José Feeds the World shows us the beginning of a powerful movement in natural disaster response, started by José Andrés. This book features the foundations and efforts of his NGO, World Central Kitchen, which is doing powerful work throughout the world to attend to the physical needs of many in disaster or war-torn lands. It's the every day, on-the-ground work of a caring man, who is putting his talents to work for the benefit of many. Great man, cute book, compassionate story, but may not be as exciting to most children as I'd hope for. Darling illustrations and simple story.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

Also nominated this year was A Plate of Hope, also about Jose. Both are well done, have a little different feels, but very similar concepts (tending the paella fire, etc.). A Plate of Hope is a little more lyrical, while this book feels a little more engaging and informational.

[Ava Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story about a chef named Jose Andres. He knew, since he was young, that he wanted to help others in their times of need. He immigrated from Spain to the United States, where he attended cooking school and eventually opened many restaurants. But he did not stop there; he volunteered at a soup kitchen where his dream to help feed the world began. He created his own National Food Kitchen and food distribution system, where he helped feed countries affected by natural disasters and war. He had to be very innovative because most countries did not have very many resources, but he adapted his way of cooking to better fit each country's culture. This book highlights the importance of following your dreams and serving your community. While also incorporating lessons in culture, language, cuisine, and fostering future chefs and leaders.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 179 of 200 ~ 2023

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a true story that is so inspiring...parents should read this to their kids and show through their actions that being kind and gracious deeds make the world a better place.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book179of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
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[A.L. Renna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of José Andrés—an award-winning chef, food activist and the founder of World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief organization that has fed more than 200 million people affected by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and war.

When a terrible earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, Andrés knew he needed to help. Within a few hours of the disaster, he had gathered friends to fly to the island, where they began cooking rice and beans for the hungry locals. This trip changed his life in many ways, and this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how he uses the power of food to nurture people in need after catastrophe strikes, one plate at a time.

Read the full review: https://travelnitch.org/jose-feeds-th...

[Mary Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of Jose Feeds the World by David zinger.This is a very powerful book that tells the story of Jose Andres, a famous chef who started World Central Kitchen which has helped feed people around the world during times of disasters, wars, storms etc.It sends a pertinent message to elementary school that they too can help others.This is a wonderful story of a man who has made it his life mission to help others in their time of need.This should be a must read for every elementary school student.There are not enough people like Jose Andres in our world and hopefully this book will call to young readers to want to serve others.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of World Central Kitchen after the hurricane in Puerto Rico and I saw an interview on NBC with Jose Andres and Lin-Manuel Miranda. I've been following and donating to WCK ever since! Famous chefs all love to cook and share their food, but most share their food at high-end restaurants that are too expensive for most people to enjoy - and then there's Jose Andres who is literally risking his life to bring food to those around the world suffering catastrophe (natural disasters, war, etc.) He is an incredible man, and from what I've seen and read, incredibly humble. I was thrilled with this biographical picture book so that children can learn from his story!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
Biography of world famous chef, Jose Andres, for elementary level readers. We first meet Jose as a child learning to cook from his parents. Unger follows his career through his studies and early restaurants. His compassion for and desire to help those in need shines through clearly. Readers see him create an organization that feeds people after disasters. The artwork captures the passion and the huge need involved. Looking forward to adding this to our library.

[Shelly Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advance reader's copy I received needs an editor. The target audience is readers age 4-8 yrs old, meaning parents or teachers will be reading this book aloud. This book is not easy to read aloud. There is no rhythm or melody in the words and phrasings. The tense changes. The passive voice is tired and lazy.

The illustrations are beautiful. The idea behind the story is important.

Will people buy this book? Probably, based on the cover and description. Will they READ this book? Probably not more than once.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back matter does *not* include a beg for donations (but it does include other enlightening information). But still, my next donation to a non-profit will go to the World Central Kitchen. I admire so much that the local people are empowered to help themselves and each other. It's the 'teach a man to fish' strategy, which I learned in Jr. High School but apparently not enough ppl understand. Appealing biographical text and art support the message perfectly.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright and beautiful illustrations are the stand out that accompany the life and times of Chef Jose and his World Central Kitchen, part biography and part informational text. Love how he realized at an early age that food can comfort people and that he could do something to help. Wish there was more back matter, only a glossary and a list of awards and recognitions. A timeline, map, or even a photo would be nice.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

José Feeds the World is an incredibly inspirational picture book for kids. José Andrés is the chef who has mobilized volunteers to prepare meals and feed people all over the world in countries where natural disasters have disrupted normal life. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and more have become home base for the World Central Kitchen and the people who bring not only need a meal, but also a strong dose of hope!