Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious
1 Hardcover/1 CD (see all formats)

"Although this brief biography of Alice Waters and her upscale restaurant, Chez Panisse, may seem, at first glance, to have little relevance to its intended audience, her connection to and support of the Edible Schoolyards project ensures a place in classrooms and school libraries across the country. The emphasis on growing your own food, buying local, cooking and eating what's in season, and adventurous tasting will all resonate with students and teachers who have made the commitment and taken up the challenge of home-grown meals. Narrator Hamilton reads at a steady pace, giving special emphasis to such words and phrases as vegetable symphony that makes them sound positively enticing. Small circles of added information that appear on a number of pages are integrated seamlessly into the narrative. The afterword is read gracefully by Waters herself, and the production is completed by Martin's reading of her author's note. Despite somewhat lackluster illustrations and occasionally distracting sound effects, this package should find a ready audience and may even encourage more interest in the science and poetry of fine, fresh food."

"Chef Alice Waters wants to take everyone-especially children-on a trip from bland, overprocessed meals to exciting plates of fresh, delicious food. Even as a child, the smell and taste of fresh foods intrigued Waters, and she pursued this passion while in France. She shares her love of cooking in her restaurant, Chez Panisse, and of her involvement with the Edible Schoolyard Project, through which students learn about good food by growing and cooking it themselves. Martin's sparse text reads like a free verse poem, and the pages are joyously decorated with images of diverse adults and children cooking and enjoying Alice's cuisine. Narrator Laura Hamilton savors each word, making every ingredient and dish sound delicious. Text within illustrations is read in another voice, and sound effects enhance the reading. This delightful voyage to healthy eating and gastronomic enjoyment will definitely encourage young readers to sample garden fresh and unprocessed foods-and maybe try growing them."

"Alice Waters, owner of the restaurant Chez Panisse, is an American chef who is known for creating the "slow food" movement--which promotes the benefits of healthy, organic food to ordinary people. Narrator Laura Hamilton portrays her in a voice that sounds eager and child-friendly. She sounds keenly engaged with Alice's travels, her love of enjoying fresh, delicious food with friends, and her desire to share that experience at home in the U.S. Hamilton sets a steady pace and pauses for emphasis, bring scenes alive as Alice tastes radishes while visiting a farm and introduces schoolchildren to a freshly grown meal. The production concludes with an afterword by Waters and note from the author."