Appreciation for the food we eat is extended to all those involved in bringing it to the table in a picture book that serves as a tuneless hymn of gratitude. Starting with those who “plowed the ground and planted seeds” the rhyming narrative touches on food that is grown, raised, fished, and harvested, acknowledging the many kinds of workers who produce the food we eat. “Thank the ones who packed the crates, sorted boxes, checked the weights.” Even the grocery store workers get a shout-out. The woodcut illustrations show a somewhat diverse range of workers engaged in community-based food production, and the penultimate page shows a moment of thanks at a peaceful meal. (Ages 3–7)

* MOONBEAM GOLD AWARD *
* GROWING GOOD KIDS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND NATIONAL MASTER JUNIOR GARDENER PROGRAM *
Milk doesn't just appear in your refrigerator, nor do apples grow in the bowl on the kitchen counter.

Before We Eat has been adopted by the USDA’s Agriculture in the Classroom program.

Before we eat, many people work very hard—planting grain, catching fish, tending farm animals, and filling crates of vegetables. With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Mary Azarian, this book reminds us what must happen before food gets to our tables to nourish our bodies and spirits.

This expanded edition of Before We Eat includes back-of-book features about school gardens and the national farm-to-school movement.

Fountas & Pinnell Level L