Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table (Food Heroes, 1) Hardcover – Picture Book, September 10, 2013

A good incentive for new English readers

This is a delightful children's book, gracefully written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and imaginatively illustrated by Eric-Shabazz Larkin. In clear, inclusive language, Martin traces the life of Mr. Allen. Raised by parents who were involved in sharecropping, he fought most of his early life to escape farming. He pursued a career in professional basketball but found a passion later in life for agriculture. He bought the last remaining land zoned for agricultural use in the city of Milwaukee, and he started an urban farm and community food center there that brings fresh, nutritious vegetables and fish to inner-city neighborhoods that lack healthy options.Martin and Larkin's book makes Mr. Allen's story accessible for a young audience. Both the author and the illustrator capture the spirit of inclusiveness that is the hallmark of Mr. Allen's work: black, white, Asian, young and old, are all shown working together, led by Mr. Allen's vision of a better food system. The book ends with a call for action among its young readers, along with a beautiful illustration by Mr. Larkin of a New York of the future, with gardens and trees on every rooftop. Ms. Martin writes: "Will Allen can see what others can't see. When he sees kids, he sees farmers. Will you be on Will Allen's crew? Will you grow vegetables for your family, your neighbors, on your porch, or roof, or yard? How big will your table be?" The generous spirit behind this book will inspire many young people to embrace Mr. Allen's vision.

Got this book when Will Allen was coming to town for a book signing. He wrote a really sweet note to our daughter on the inside cover. Our daughter is not even two yet, but she still loves this book and the bright colors and all the foods and things she can name. I also think because it's such a feel-good (and true) story, she can sense there is greatness in this book. It's the only book with a lot of writing that she will sit through until the end (it has more writing in it than her other favorite books like "The Monster at the End of this Book" and the Llama, Llama series, for example. But not so much writing as books for much older children). And I am excited to discuss it with her as she gets older, because it is a book that encourages hard work and dedication to dreams, which I think are excellent ideas to instill in young minds.

This is a good topic for ReadAloud with elementary age kids. It's so easy to find good, boring biographies. It's hard to find a biography about someone who is contemporary and overcoming issues that are fresher and more relative to the kids. Madam Curie and Thomas were very important people, but so is Will Allen. The book is colorful and interesting. When I read it to the kids, we used it as a springboard for a lot of other topics like alternative gardening and caring about others.

Liked that it is a true story about agriculture.

Beautiful book. Inspiring story. I first saw this book at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. i donated it to my granddaughter's school library.

I love everything about this book

An excellent story through a vivid reality model provides pertinent information regarding healthy living. Quite unique way to demonstrate problem solving to children. Excellent and powerful art examples for all to enjoy.

Strong male role model... just a bit too American