Not one, but two picture book biographies are out this season on chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters: Erin Frankel’s A Plate of Hope, illustrated by Paola Escobar; and David Unger’s José Feeds the World, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns. We asked Frankel and Unger to interview each other about their books and the inspiration they’ve found in the life and work of this chef and activist.
David Unger: I’m thrilled to be with you, Erin. And I’ll tell you why. The idea of being together with another writer writing about the same subject is something that’s never occurred to me in my life. And I wonder if I can just ask you the question of how you got involved in this project.
Erin Frankel: First, let me start out by saying I’m also really excited about this. I love that we can talk shop and it is exciting to be able to share the journey with each other. So, thank you. I kind of came to José Andrés many years ago. It’s an interesting backstory. About the time that he was coming to the United States, I was actually moving to Spain. We were about the same age and I was starting my life there when he was starting his life here. And I lived in Spain for a number of years. I was tapped into what he was doing and how he was building his career in the States as a chef. And he was still very popular back in Spain. So I’d see him on Spanish media, but it wasn’t until the beginning of the Covid pandemic that I became more deeply aware of his humanitarian work. We were all stuck in our homes and feeling somewhat hopeless about what was happening in the world. And it seemed like every time I turned on the TV or listened to a radio interview, José Andrés and the work that he was doing at World Central Kitchen kept popping up. And I became really curious and intrigued, from those beginnings as a chef, to this humanitarian work that he had shifted into. I think most writing and storytelling starts with curiosity. And I wanted to understand more: how did that happen? How did he get from here to there? So that’s how this all started. How about you?
Unger: We were all locked down during Covid and he’s going to a Navajo area, and he’s going with the farmworkers in California, and coming to New York City and feeding the nurses and doctors who are working to keep the rest of us alive. And it was really quite a seminal moment, when the rest of us were in our own homes and he was active.
My backstory is much simpler and less spiritual than yours. The publisher of my book José Feeds the World, Mauricio Velázquez de León, is a longtime friend. And I’ve seen his work develop, first with Rosen Publishing for many years, doing nonfiction books. And then he struck out on his own with duopress. He’s Mexican, and I’m Guatemalan, so we have that very strong language tie. And then one day he said, “Listen, I want to do a book on José Andrés. Would you be interested in doing it?” Then I said, “Well, you know, I’ve never done a nonfiction book. But I’m fascinated by Andrés and I think that he’s just a wonderful figure.” And at one point, I had been invited to a dinner sponsored by the Princesa de Asturias, giving these annual awards. And he wasn’t there in person, but he came through in a video recording. And I decided that I thought that I could write a book about him that would stick very close to his roots and try and find an arc.
Frankel: That’s such an interesting moment: when you come to that point, we think maybe I can bring some of my skills and talents to help share this story. You’re right; it’s a story in which the inspiration, the hope, is undeniable. And during that time period, it felt like we were being served a plate of hope from our homes, in hearing about the work.
Unger: Exactly. And his work has continued. So he goes to Ukraine, he goes to Gaza. He doesn’t think twice about going there.
I enjoyed reading your book a lot. I felt that there were areas where we focused on the very same things, which is curious. It’s almost like we’re in two different parts of the world, though. Pittsburgh and New York City aren’t that different. But we both look at the information that’s available. And we pick up sort of similar notes. But at the same time, I think my book sticks more to the the facts, it builds a kind of narrative story, and yours is kind of spiritual, which I really enjoyed. I felt that you captured in your writing the sort of transformative power that the sadness has had in in dealing with disasters and cataclysms.
Frankel: Wow, thank you so much, David. I loved reading your book as well. And I also found myself smiling. I think about these life events almost as stepping stones. And I would love to hear a little bit about your research process. But on that note of what you’re talking about, when we were reading each other’s books, it is such a fun moment to say, oh, you know, here’s this creek that we’re going from here to here, and here are the stepping stones.
Unger: His parents were nurses. And they were also involved in cooking for their community, the small town where they lived. Of course, we have nothing to do with the illustrations. We provide a text and then these two magnificent artists use their imagination to expand on our words, and we just don’t know where it goes.
Frankel: That’s one of the beauties of the work that we do: seeing how it all comes together with this amazing artwork. And you know, the first time I saw Paola Escobar’s artwork and illustration, it blew me away. To have a vision in your head as you’re writing it and then to see it come alive on paper was such an amazing moment. And there was so much in the stories to work with that I imagine it would have been a joy also for our illustrators, transporting from place to place, and the smells and the aromas.
Unger: Well the illustrator Mauricio selected, Marta Álvarez Miguéns, is from a small town in Asturias, maybe 25 or 30 kilometers away from where José Andrés was born and raised. So for her, it was a no brainer. She wanted to illustrate this book because it’s about one of her heroes.
Frankel: It’s amazing. I know that Paola has also been a long-time fan of José Andrés. There is a line in the story that says “sí” when a new opportunity comes. And I like to think that we both felt that way about working on this project together. For me, it was an immediate yes.
Unger: Did Random Studio reach out to you, or did your agent reach out to them for the book?
Frankel: The story idea was planted in my mind during the pandemic. I became curious and I started reading his book, We Fed an Island, which is a wonderful book about the rebuilding of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. I reached out to my agent, who at the time was Susan Cohen at Writers House, and I said, “I’m really pulled in by José Andrés and the work he’s doing at World Central Kitchen, and I’m thinking about trying to write a picture book biography.” She immediately thought it was a great idea. And I had that time during the pandemic, when I was just at home, and I could fully immerse myself in reading and researching.
Looking back, the writing of this book was so fun and meaningful. It kind of came together like paella. It was little bits at a time.
I worked with a storyboard and every day did a little writing, and then at mealtime when my family sat down together, I would read the little bit that I had. And as I was reading, I could see the inspiration in my family, and it gave me more confidence that ultimately, and hopefully, our readers—both of ours—will feel that same inspiration.
Unger: It’s amazing that you had a ready audience.
Frankel: I’m so grateful. I need to dedicate all my books to my family.
How did you figure out your stepping stones, David?
Unger: I go back to Mauricio proposing the idea. And this memory of [Andrés receiving] the Princesa de Asturias Award [in 2021]. He actually went to Guatemala when there a volcanic eruption. So I was aware of the work that he did in my birthplace. I basically Googled him and read quite a few articles and references, maybe I spent, I don’t know, maybe 25–30 hours researching. And I would be taking notes, trying to find the arc of his story, in other words, what it is that germinated in him to create the World Central Kitchen, and not just be another world-famous chef. In fact, I dedicate the book to him. I do think of him as very inspirational. He’s not parochial. He’s ecumenical in his approach to tragedy; he’s looking all over the world, for places where he can go and make a difference. And that’s what I was looking at when I was doing my research.
Frankel: It’s interesting how those core beliefs start to come out, the more you read about him, the more you listen to him. He’s such a dynamic personality. One core belief of his, and these are his words, is that without empathy, nothing works. And I’m deeply interested in stories that can help us be more compassionate and bring our best selves to situations. And like you said, it seems like time and time again, wherever he goes with World Central Kitchen, he gives constant reminders to everyone that “this is not the work that I am doing. This is the work that we’re doing together.”
Unger: It comes through in your book, the fact that he’s the kind of person who sees opportunities where others see problems. It’s very inspiring. If we think about how Gaza is in shambles. A million people have been displaced, and many of us don’t know what to do. But he has established a mechanism where things can be done; and what he’s doing keeps people alive. And that brings out the empathy and the compassion that you’re talking about.
Frankel: It’s remarkable, and he kept doing more and more. At a certain point, you realize I’m going to have to stop this story. But his work goes on, and I am so grateful.
I also teach middle school Spanish, and I think it’s an important message that no matter what you’re doing right now, that job, that role, is really important. We’re always pushing everyone, what are you going to be when you grow up? And it’s great to have that vision. But I love his emphasis that everyone has an important role. And I also love the ending point of your book, David, thinking about what your calling might be. That was really beautiful.
Unger: Thank you. I think one of the things that you said is very important, that is really not part of the U.S. but exists in Latin America, is the idea of apprenticeship. José Andrés wanted to rush to be a chef and his father said, you have to tame the fire. You can’t start cooking until you understand what the process is. And I think his whole life was one of apprenticeship. You captured it quite beautifully in your book, where you talked about that year that he was on the Spanish ship. I wasn’t even aware of that aspect in his life. So I felt that I learned something by reading your book, which is important.
Frankel: I also love how you had a starting point with both of the parents being nurses. And I do think that I was looking at it from an angle also of what were some of the experiences that built this empathy and compassion that he has, and wanting everyone to have that encouraging word and that warm meal.
Unger: So going back to the questions of why I did this book: I’ve written five novels and translated about 20 books from Spanish into English. And I’ve written three or four children’s books. And one thing that my wife observes about me is that very often I have protagonists who are pretty disgusting, in my novels in particular, but I focus on the transformative element. I don’t create characters who remain static, but who go through a transformation and become better human beings. So you know, with you, Erin, I share that desire to create a better world. I feel that even though my book is not approved or sanctioned by José Andrés. I don’t know if he’s even aware of my book.
Frankel: He will be soon!
Unger: And I think we’re giving birth to books at the same time!
Frankel: Yeah, I’m excited. There is also a Spanish version of the book. I didn’t do the Spanish translation for this book, but it was very exciting to finally be able to say to my Spanish nieces and nephews that I’m going to be able to gift you a book in Spanish. I’ve worked on some other picture books that have been translated into a lot of languages. Unfortunately, they have not been translated into Spanish. So I’m excited about having this book in Spanish to reach an even wider audience.
Unger: I think that some people may think, well, two books about the same person coming out, like two weeks apart—it’s a battle of the bands. But it’s really not, because there are many ways to cross the road. And then there are really three books: you have the English and Spanish, and my English. And I think they’ll find different audiences.
Frankel: It’s really exciting. You mentioned at the very beginning of our conversation how lucky we are—what this journey was, and how exciting it was to be able to understand his world and World Central Kitchen. And as with everything you write, you’re kind of transformed and changed at the end. I’m grateful that I could learn so much in the process, not just about how to write a picture book biography, which has been really exciting for me. Also just to learn as a curious person. It would be a great thing one day to actually maybe meet him. I’m sure you feel the same way.
Unger: It’s very funny. Next week, my wife and I are going to Washington and Baltimore. And we have reservations for Jaleo [the restaurant owned by Andrés]. I don’t think he’ll be there. But I do hope to meet him one day, too.
Frankel: Yes. Me too.
Unger: It has been great talking to you and meeting you.
Frankel: You too. Good luck with your book launch. I hope everything goes wonderfully, and congratulations.
A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen by Erin Frankel, illus. by Paola Escobar. Random House Studio, $18.99 Feb. 13 ISBN 978-0-5933-8057-4
José Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People in Need Around the World by David Unger, illus. by Marta Álvarez Miguéns. Duopress, $18.99 Jan. 30 ISBN 978-1-7282-7952-7
