Reviews

Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes the French Chef by Sarah Green, Alex Prud'homme

thesouthernbeauty's review

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5.0

The illustrations grabbed my attention. Yes, I’m an adult that will read a kid’s book if the illustrations are phenomenal. Sarah Green did a wonderful job drawing out every detail and capturing Julia and her surroundings perfectly.

Beautifully written story. It made me smile as the author makes the readers feel like we’re having a delightful conversation with her IRL.

maameslittlelibrary's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted

jesstele's review

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2.0

Abrupt ending. Not told fluidly.

readingwithcats's review against another edition

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informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

scostner's review

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3.0

"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.

kalisaur's review

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informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

Nice illustrations, a bit modern. I loved the inclusion of her work during the war and the French women she worked with to write the French Chef 

bethfishreads's review

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4.25

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. 
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