Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes "the French Chef"

by Alex Prud’homme, Sarah Green (Illustrator)

How did Julia Child become one of America's most celebrated and beloved chefs? Her great-nephew reveals her story in this in this picture book that Jacques Pepin calls a vivid portrait . . . an enjoyable read.

Julia Child was born hungry, but she was not born a chef. In fact, Julia didn't discover her passion for cooking until she had a life-changing luncheon in France and became determined to share her newfound love of food with everyone. In Paris, Julia devoured recipe books, shopped in outdoor markets, consumed all kinds of foods, and whipped through culinary school, and although she wasn't always successful in the kitchen, she was determined to master the art of French cooking. Through perseverance and grit, Julia became a chef who shared her passion with the world, making cooking fun, and turning every meal into a special event. Alex Prud'homme's firsthand knowledge paired with Sarah Green's vibrant and energetic illustrations showcases Julia's life and celebrates her enduring legacy.

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

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 8, 2022

About the author

Alex Prud’homme is an American journalist and the author of several non-fiction books.

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this is a book written for children, it's guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any food-loving adult as well.

The short but extremely intriguing overview of Julia Child's life is complemented by charming illustrations. (If a reader isn't too familiar with her biography, there will be a few surprises in store as well. Including sharks!)

The description of Julia's life-changing meal at a French restaurant is lovingly described, and the facial expressions depicted by the illustrator convey warm emotion throughout the book. (The total effect is to make you very hungry!) The fact that the author was personally acquainted with Julia and her husband makes for an intimate, heartfelt style.

This book will likely whet your appetite to learn more about Julia Child's life and cooking. That's why it's so nice that at the back are listed websites, TV shows, and books to find out more.

There's also a simple recipe for scrambled eggs that children can try. Though it's not complex, it is written in a way to help them really pay attention to the changes that are taking place in food while it cooks.

A delightful little book for either children or adults!

Thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for my digital review copy!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful children’s book, written with love by Julia Child’s grandnephew. The compelling text and colorful illustrations introduce the famous chef to young readers with verve and great respect.

Even adults can learn much about Julia, who worked for the OSS in Ceylon and China during WWII; learned to cook at 37 through lessons in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu — the only woman student then! She went on to write the cookbook that’s become a beloved classic, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and to host the iconic TV show, The French Chef, that still charms as it instructs.

Julia — a giant in height (6’2’’), talent, heart, and good cheer. Bon appétit!

Pub Date: 08 Feb 2022
#BornHungry #NetGalley

Merci to the author; Astra Publishing House, Calkins Creek; and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[da AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating for any age! Beautiful artwork and lovely writing. A real delight!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Not particularly groundbreaking but maybe that's okay? The focus was more on Julia and her cooking than on her trailblazing imo. I like how soft the artwork is and the bright colors but also it was definitely stylized which is interesting for a figure like Julia who is so well known visually.

Back mater includes author's note, "essential Julia" breaking down books, TV shows, Podcasts, and websites to check out plus exhibits, bibliography, and text and picture credits. Recipe for French scrambled eggs.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love it but can't totally pinpoint why.

I think it's either:
1. Her career and her enormous cultural impact are not explained, so it honestly seems like the coolest thing she did was make shark repellant or
2. There's more focus on her marriage than on her enormous cultural impact or
3. It glosses over the barriers she faced.

Or all of that. It feels a bit cash-grabby to me, YMMV. Cute art, though.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Child said, "I was born hungry, not a cook."

It was her husband, Paul Child, who first introduced Julia to the wonders of French eating, and soon Julia began to want to learn to make the magnificent meals that she had learned to love.

This is a fantastic picture book biography of the amazing Julia Child, written by the grandnephew of Julia herself.

[Gary Anderson]

Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes “the French Chef” is a new picture book biography of Julia Child written by Alex Prud’homme, the great-nephew of Paul Child, Julia’s husband who also co-wrote Julia Child’s memoir My Life in France. While Born Hungry conveys Julia Child as a quirky, appealing character, the narrative arc and textual choices are not likely to captivate young readers. While most picture book biographies create empathy in children by emphasizing the subject’s childhood, Born Hungry begins with Julia as an adolescent and after two double-page spreads quickly moves on to her adulthood. The story ends with Julia opening a cooking school in Paris. Of course, Julia Child is well-known for her television persona, but that part of her life is conveyed in an extensive “Author’s Note” in the back matter. Unfortunately, the text also hinders the book’s accessibility as numerous French phrases and elevated vocabulary (disintegrated, repellant, polecat, morsel, diameter, sprigs) are likely to inhibit young readers’ understanding.

Born Hungry does have its merits. There is a worthwhile moral lesson in how Julia is presented as a person who doesn’t quite fit in but learns to embrace and even celebrate her awkwardness. Also, because so much of the story involves food and cooking, many of the sentences can serve as model texts for descriptive writing. The text is visually enhanced by Illustrator Sarah Green’s bright, fun artwork. In addition to the “Author’s Note,” the back matter includes a thorough list of Julia Child-related books, tv shows, podcasts, and websites, but again, most of it is not geared for children. Finally, Born Hungry includes Julia Child’s recipe for scrambled eggs. Children can enjoy doing this activity with the help of an adult, and lots of butter.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice story, but I'm not sure if kids would enjoy this. It may be good for lower elementary school kids.

[Linnea Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking and baking is fun!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially taken by the wonderful, vibrant artwork, but the enthusiastic writing grew on me too!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning so many new things about Julia Child and I loved the artwork! I wish the book discussed more of her cooking career.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader gets the sense of fun and gusto from the text that Julia brought to her life. I was hungry for more of her history, since the story ends before the famous television show that secured her broader legacy, but generous back matter covers the rest of her career. Very lively illustrations by Alex Prud'homme spark the book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many picture books about women who were famous in their day, but might not be known to people now. Although I own "The Art of French cooking" by Julia Child, I was a little too young, at the time, to have watched her cooking programs. I did however watch the movie Julie and Julia, which used part of the memoir she was writing with her great nephew, just before she died, as the source for many of the Julia scenes.

And it is this great nephew who has written this picture book, a very brief history of what made Julia Child tick. How, as the title says, she was born hungry, and spent her life trying to find the food that appealed to her, and then discover how to cook it.

Simple, and to the point, with a bonus recipe at the back, as well as a little more explanation on Julia Child.

Delightful book.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Alex Prud'homme and Astra Publishing House for the ARC of Born Hungry. This is my personal review.
Born Hungry is a nonfiction children’s book about how Julia Child became known as “The French Chef”.
The story along with the wonderful illustrations give the reader a quick glimpse of her life and how she became the wonderful chef she did.
If you know of an aspiring chef this is a beautiful book to give them. It is written so expertly that they will want to get into the kitchen and learn the art of cooking.
Her recipe for scrambled eggs is written so you know exactly why things are happening as you make the recipe.

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful tribute to Julia Child! This is much more thoughtful and lively than a simple recitation of dates and achievements. Reading this, students can really come to appreciate Julia Child's vivacity and joie de vivre. I loved getting to know how she became the fun, funny chef we all knew.

The illustrations enrich the text beautifully--they are bright and have a dreamy watercolor feeling. This would be an engaging biography for older elementary or middle school students and would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Lauren Puckette · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Born Hungry” is a beautifully-illustrated non-fiction children’s book about the life of Julia Child. I absolutely loved the quotes that were included from Julia Child herself and the detailed illustrations on each and every page, leaving the reader inspired and hungry to go give cooking a try or to, at the very least, try out a new dish. I do wish there was another simple child-friendly recipe of Julia Child’s included other than scrambled eggs. We look forward to adding this one to our collection.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born Hungry by Alex Prud’Homme is kids biography of Julia Child. I enjoyed the information in the book about Child and the supplemental bibliography. I liked what I learned and the graphics that were in the book. This book would be perfect for any foodie or junior chef. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (My review is also on Goodreads.)

[Patricia Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like the way it ended, it seemed very abrupt.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you weren’t already of fan of Julia Child, this book will make you one, at any age. The character and personality traits that won over fans for her recipes, cookbooks, television appearances, and overall public persona shines through in this colorful and creative picture book. The opening lines capture her kid-appeal in a few, perfect words.

“Julia McWIlliams wore size twelve sneakers, stood six feet, two inches tall, played basketball, laughed loudly, and was curious about everything. All this activity made her crave food- lots of food.”

The opening spread on which these words appear features GLORIOUSLY large, colorful, rich foods while the facing page presents Julia in her confident and take-it-or-leave-it young-girl glory, her clothes mirroring the vibrant food colors and her self-assured stance foreshadowing the familiar postures she assumed on her programs, whether in conversation or behind a pot or pan or bowl. Julia was a substantially non-typical girl who was absolutely fine with who she was and what she chose to do in life. And she adored food! What's not to love?

Born into a wealthy family, she was always hungry but never considered cooking. Her family employed a very competent cook- why would Julia even consider cooking for herself? Her quest for a life of action and adventure led her far from home to work for an American “spy” service. To her surprise, she was assigned are a desk with a rather boring job. She was lonely and not very eager to continue.

Until a new co-worker moved into the next office. He was everything she was not- older, very quiet, but also a world traveler with far wider experiences in foods and culture. And he was as intrigued with Julia as she was with him, Paul. They spent many hours together, enjoying new things like food, books, and travel. He encouraged Julia, the girl who grew up inhaling food, to slow down and taste each bite, to fully experience food and the atmosphere in which it was served, the culture it represented. After the war ended (WWII), Julia and Paul married and moved to France. Julie decided that a married woman should learn to cook. What better place to do that than in France at a leading culinary academy?

This book offers young readers a celebration of a spirited young girl who loved food, then applied that sense of adventure and curiosity to preparing amazingly delicious meals and desserts. Was she always successful? Far from it. In fact, it was her attitude about mistakes and failures that entertained adults and will capture the love of young readers, too. The illustrations using bright colors and style to open this profile with vitality continue to turn Julia’s adult life into a kid-friendly world on the page.

Back matter provides photos and details about her impressive career as a writer, entertainer, teacher, chef, food ambassador, and inspiration for all ages. The final spread shares her very FRENCH recipe for scrambled eggs, and seems as delicious as it is simple. It includes a caution that children should have adult assistance to make them because a hot pan is involved. I found myself eager to try it, since my approach does NOT produce the kind of eggs her recipe will.

Author Prud'homme is the grandson of Paul's twin brother, knew her well, and worked with Julia until her death on her adult memoir about the post-war years in France. The text is effectively sprinkled with quotations from Julia Child’s notebooks, programs, interviews, and cookbooks, with the last one appearing to capture her life story perfectly:
“Find something you’re passionate about and stay tremendously interested in it!”

I'm passionate about this new picture book, and I am certain kids of many ages will be, too.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes “the French Chef” by Alex Prud’homme, Illustrated by Sarah Green

Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes “the French Chef”, co-authored by Alex Prud’homme and illustrated by Sarah Green, serves as a delightful introduction to the life and culinary journey of Julia Child, a pivotal figure in American culinary history. Aimed primarily at children, this picture book captures the essence of Child’s passion for cooking and her journey toward becoming a celebrated chef and television personality, known for her role in popularizing French cuisine in America.

Narrative and Structure
Prud’homme’s narrative is engaging and accessible, effectively conveying Julia Child’s story in a way that resonates with young readers. The book chronicles her transformation from a curious and adventurous young woman to a culinary icon, highlighting key moments that shaped her career. By focusing on Child’s early experiences and her eventual discovery of her passion for cooking, the authors create a relatable and inspiring narrative arc. This structure not only celebrates Child’s achievements but also encourages readers to explore their own interests and passions.

Illustrative Elements
Sarah Green’s illustrations are a standout feature of the book, bringing vibrancy and warmth to the text. The artwork adeptly captures the joy of cooking and the cultural richness of French cuisine, making the narrative visually engaging for children. Green’s illustrations complement Prud’homme’s storytelling by depicting key moments from Child’s life, such as her culinary adventures in France and her first steps in the kitchen. The combination of text and imagery creates an immersive experience that invites readers to engage with the story on multiple levels.

Themes of Passion and Determination
A central theme of Born Hungry is the importance of passion and perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. Throughout the narrative, readers witness Child’s relentless curiosity and her willingness to embrace challenges, which ultimately lead her to success. By framing Child’s culinary journey within the context of hard work and dedication, the book encourages young readers to approach their pursuits with the same enthusiasm and resilience. This theme resonates particularly well in a society increasingly focused on individual empowerment and the pursuit of personal passions.

Cultural and Educational Significance
The book serves as an important educational resource, not only introducing children to Julia Child but also to the broader context of culinary arts and cultural appreciation. In a time when food literacy and the understanding of diverse culinary traditions are becoming increasingly relevant, Born Hungry provides a foundation for discussions about cooking, culture, and the importance of trying new things. By showcasing Child’s journey, the book inspires curiosity about different cuisines and encourages children to explore their culinary creativity.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes “the French Chef” is a delightful and enriching contribution to children’s literature that celebrates the life of a remarkable figure. Alex Prud’homme’s engaging prose, combined with Sarah Green’s lively illustrations, creates an effective pedagogical tool that encourages young readers to explore their interests and understand the value of determination and passion. This book is an excellent resource for parents and educators, fostering a love for cooking and inspiring the next generation of culinary enthusiasts.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fabulous! It was written by her grand-nephew, who collaborated with Child on her memoir, My Life in France. We get a good overview of Child's life, from childhood through her years working for the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and the USIS (US Investigation Services) in France. After marrying Paul Child, she decided she'd better learn to cook, and her legacy was born. The text is engaging - how could it not be, given the subject? - the art is wonderfully expressive, and the back material is interesting and helpful; it includes lists of her books, t.v. shows, etc, books, websites and other places to get more information, and a deceptively simple recipe for scrambled eggs. I say "deceptively simple" because these are French scrambled eggs, which do require more patience and moving on and off the heat, which will help children (and me!) learn that sometimes taking things slow and paying full attention to the food while it's cooking can lead to great results! I'm assuming they're great, anyway, as I haven't actually tried making the eggs yet! Child's interesting and exciting life paired with her enthusiasm for cooking make this an inspiring biography for kids.

#BornHungry #NetGalley

[Amelia]

Prud'homme and Green's picture book, Born Hungry, cooks up a vivacious image of Chef Julia Child's life. Though the focus is on her cooking, they do not shy away from her previous work as a clerk typist for the Office of Strategic Services, nor her scientific experiments to create a recipe for shark repellant.

With beautiful illustrations that focus on food and the diverse cultures in which Julia lived, Green underscores the importance of ingredients and creating recipes from the root of food's source: the people. Better, still, is the careful attention to Julia Child's height against her husband and other men. Not only did she forge her way in a male-dominated field, she quite literally towered over them in prowess and physicality!

Boasting bold colors and dense descriptions, this is a wonderful book for the child who wants to delve into the world of culinary arts. And for parents, it's a great reminder that what one is remembered for often comes later in life.

[Noodlenuts Kids Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes 'The French Chef'" (2022), written by Child's own great-nephew Alex Prud'homme, is not just a loving paean to a beloved celebrity chef, but a powerful story about not being easily discouraged, and the unexpected things we can accomplish at any point im life with hard work, dedication, and a real passion for what we are pursuing.

With beautiful, colour-drenched illustrations, the book details Child's fascinating early life, and the fact that this renowned chef didn't even learn to cook until middle age, enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu aged 37. And it didn't come easily to her; but she learned to enjoy the process of it, something she taught chefs at home all over the world later on.

There is so much we can learn from this 6'2" woman who was discouraged from her dreams because she was older, and not conventionally beautiful, but who ignored the naysayers and taught the world that she was more than worthy, she was spectacular.

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture biography written by Child's grandnephew does a fantastic job of presenting Julie's large-sized personality, aided by Sarah Green's lively illustrations. It's not the first, or even the second biography of the famous chef for young children, but as Julia said: "Everything in moderation, including moderation." This is a delightful addition to the Julia Child canon. UPDATE: I just saw an ad for Julia Child Challenge airing March 14, 2022 on the Food Network. Contestants will compete in kitchens like Julia's stage kitchens and will compete to make her dishes and their own, based on her techniques. Julia will chime in from a large tv monitor above the contestants. Young foodies may get to see Julia in action if they tune in with their parents. Perfect!

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book biography of the magnificent chef, Julia Child. The author briefly discusses her childhood and her career with the OSS during World War 2. She was stationed in Ceylon(Sri Lanka today) where she met her future husband, Paul. Julia loved food... but wasn't a very good cook. But when she & Paul moved to France, Julia was determined to master French cooking. And she did! Once she mastered cooking, she wanted to share her knowledge with the world. With help from friends, she published her first of many cookbooks and embarked on a totally unexpected TV career.
She was truly one of the first celebrity chefs and continues to inspire cooks today.
The book includes an extensive list of sources and a delightful recipe for scrambled eggs.

[BethFishReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful picture book, geared to young readers, is a biographical sketch of how Julia Child met her husband, moved to France, learned to cook, and started teaching others how to cook.

While the story is brief, Julia's dedication to learning and her delight in eating come shining through. I particularly love that Julia's size is neither hidden nor spotlighted. Instead the illustrations show her as she was.

Born Hungry ends with a note about Julia's life once she returned to the United States. The resources section includes a list of Child's books as well as places to visit (virtual and real) to learn more about her. A fun read for foodies of all ages.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am generally obsessed with all the stories about Julia Child and this children's book written by her nephew Alex Prud'homme is exactly the kind of story that I love about her. Showing her verve and vivaciousness even as an older woman (she wasn't some twenty-something making it big, she was in her fifties and sixties when she became famous) it also delights in the food that she loved, the meals that she cooked, and the man she loved.

The colors and artwork compliment the biography so well and I dug the second to last pages where you can learn and see and hear more about her from websites to podcasts.

[Black Flamed Candle Books 🕯️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this book 4.5/5 stars. ⭐️
I absolutely adore the illustrations! I learnt along the way about Julia Child, way more than I ever knew before. Granted this is designed as a children’s book, however teens and adults alike have lots to learn! I love Sarah Green’s illustrations! I believe they’re drawn with oil pastels but I could be wrong; regardless they make a great reference if you like to draw especially with mediums such as oil pastels. I look forward to using this book in the future as reference to help me further my art. Absolutely stunning illustrations, I can’t stop raving about them!

[pepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently in my Julia Child era and I also enjoy picture books so was pretty excited to see this available on Libby. I was loving it when all of a sudden, the story ended... without ever discussing her being on tv, writing cookbooks, or the massive impact she had. All of that is instead mentioned in the author's note which I still enjoyed but it should have been a part of the actual story/book, even if that doubled or tripled the length. I deducted one star for that reason but love that the back of the book has a timeline that lists all of her books, tv shows, etc. as well as a French scrambled eggs recipe.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia Child was just bada$$. Working in the military, learning to cook as an "older" woman, and just being herself, Child was born hungry and would teach others that it was worth the time to learn how to do thing the "right way" when it came to cooking the perfect dish and/or meal. The illustrations are a bit "artistic" and maybe not the best to portray Child in a "realistic" manner, but they are bold, colorful and expressive. Like a good meal, I would say they should be savored and not gobbled up.