Alice Waters has always been friends with food. As a three-year-old, she won first prize in a costume contest outfitted with produce (including a crown of asparagus). During her college days, when she studied food during a trip to France and, later, cooked sumptuous meals for friends in America, food was central to Alice’s life. She worked to locate fresh local ingredients to serve in her restaurant, Chez Panisse, where she wanted “every meal to be a symphony of flavor.” It was while walking to work that Alice noticed a neighborhood school without a cafeteria kitchen where students relied on packaged food. She was inspired to start a school garden so students could grow, cook, and eat their own fresh produce, and the Edible Schoolyard was launched. An author’s note states that there are now many Edible Schoolyard gardens across America and in almost thirty other countries. A warm garden palette and liberal inclusion of circular images welcome readers into Alice’s story, while pages with an extra visual storyline following the outside edge of the double-page spread add both charm and content to the experience. (Ages 5–10)

Come along with Chef Alice Waters on a wonderful trip to Delicious! She learned as a child, and wants all children to share with her, the joy of tasting real food that begins not in the kitchen, but in the fields with good soil and caring farmers. This lively presentation hronicles Alice’s passion, from her childhood to her travels to France, and back home to establish the landmark restaurant Chez Panisse and the Edible Schoolyard project. With an Afterword read by Alice Waters that offers children tips on how to enjoy good food, and a Note read by the author, this is a delightful and inspiring journey for kids of all ages!