Monday, January 17, 2022

Winter Reading 2022 Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes "the French Chef"

 


"No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing." What a wonderful way to start off the story of Julia Child and her journey to becoming one of the most well-known chefs in the world. This delightful picture book biography begins with Julia's childhood growing up in a house with a cook, so that she "didn't see the point" in learning to prepare meals herself. Young readers will probably laugh out loud to learn that Julia's first recipe was for shark repellant. Her love of French cuisine shows in the look on her face as she takes a bite with her eyes closed and says, "Yum!" Another spread shows her drfiting off to sleep as visions of butter, mushrooms, and other ingredients fill the room around her.

Illustrations show Julia's delight in food throughout her life - peeking into the family kitchen to watch the cook at work, sniffing fruit at the market in Ceylon, as well as the Cordon Bleu lessons and the successful dishes she makes. Quotes from Julia herself are worked into the pages, including advice from her own teacher, Chef Bugnard. Back matter includes an author's note (Julia's grandnephew); archival photos of Julia; a list of books, TV shows, podcasts, websites, and exhibits to discover "The Essential Julia;" and Julia's recipe for scrambled eggs.

A fun book to recommend to readers who are always exploring the cookbook section or talking about their favorite Food Network shows. I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.

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