In BEFORE WE EAT, by Pat Brisson and illustrated by Caldecott medalist Mary Azarian, young readers learn that milk doesn’t just appear in the refrigerator, or apples on your kitchen counter. Before we eat, many people must work very hard planting grain, catching fish, tending animals, and filling crates. In this book, vibrantly illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Mary Azarian, readers find out what must happen before food can get to our table to nourish our bodies and spirits.

Malcolm and Jillian Bedell are the bloggers behind fromaway.com, which receives more than 150,000 uPat Brisson is the author of 20 books for young readers, including The Summer My Father Was Ten and Sometimes We Were Brave (both from Boyds Mills Press). A graduate of Rutgers University, she is a former elementary school teacher, school librarian, and public-library reference librarian. Pat lives in New Jersey with her husband.

Mary Azarian is an American woodcut artist and children’s book illustrator. She won the 1999 Caldecott Medal for U.S. picture book illustration, recognizing Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martinnique visitors each month. Malcolm appeared on NBC’s Today show in 2013 and won the Buffalo Wing Cook-Off, a three-way competition held on Super Bowl Friday.

Before We Eat (Board Book)