Paola Escobar

For young José growing up in Spain, cooking “wasn’t just” about food, it was about people. Starting small, his work led to his establishing an NGO to help feed those in need. A fluid narration and lush illustrations present this renowned chef. Backmatter concludes this hopeful, brief biography. Also available in Spanish: Un plato de esperanza (opens in a new window).

What happens when you plant a seed? With a bit of care, something grows. The first children’s librarian from Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré (for whom an American Library Association literary award is named) planted seeds of stories throughout New York City where she worked, introducing children to tales from her homeland in Spanish and English. Illustrations bring the time and period to life.