Who Was Julia Child? by Geoff Edgers

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings fun character of Julia Child who was a celebrity chef and best-selling author. 

Julia McWilliams (1912-2004) from childhood was full of energy and adventure, clever and mischievous.

At school, she struggled with her classes, but she loved learning new things and making friends. After college, she took a job in NYC for a furniture company. She dreamed of becoming a writer for a famous magazine but nobody would hire her. 

Later, when the US joined WWII, Julia wanted to do something to help. She got a position at one of the top secret agencies in the US government.  This job gave her a chance to see different parts of the world, its people and foods. 

It was also were she met her husband – Paul Child, who was well-travelled and knew a lot about food. He showed her that trying new foods was an exciting way to learn about new cultures.

After the war, they moved to Washington DC where Paul got a job for the US government. Julia decided to stay home and learn how to cook. When Paul received an offer to take a position in Paris, they accepted it. 

In Paris, Julia fell in love with French food and culture. She signed up for cooking classes at the world-famous cooking school. After graduating, with two friends, they started a cooking school. Two of her friends, already started working on a French cookbook and asked her to help. Finally, they found a publisher.

After Paul retired, they returned to the US and settled in Cambridge, MA. 

Four months after the book came out, she was invited to appear on a Boston television where she unexpectedly set a station to make an omelet. By next day, the TV station received many requests to see more of Julia. The first show debuted in February 1963 and was an instant hit. 

This biography illuminates a woman who despite doing poorly in school showed how successful one can still be. Her friendly personality won her the school cup for the spirit of the school. And her spirit of wanting to serve during the war led her to finding the purpose in her life.

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts. 

Published in 2015 by Penguin Workshop

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: “If I can do it, you can do it!”

 

Traits:

·         She struggled with her classes, but she loved learning new things

·         Her friendly personality made her stand out and win the spirit of the school

·         Despite finishing school with poor greats, it didn’t stop her from applying for positions she wasn’t qualified for

·         Her wanting to help during the war was the moment she used to turn things around for herself

·         The need to serve during the war in any possible way led her to the right path where she found her passion

·         She learned that trying new things was an adventure in itself

 

“If I can do it, you can do it!” - Julia Child

“Learn how to cook – try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun.” – Julia Child