About the Author

Jacqueline Brigs Martin is the author of many award-winning children's books, including SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY, winner of the Caldecott Medal. CHEF ROY CHOI AND THE STREET FOOD REMIX, which she co-authored with June Jo Lee, along with SANDOR KATZ AND THE TINY WILD, is part of her award-winning "Food Heroes" series, which also includes FARMER WILL ALLEN AND THE GROWING TABLE and ALICE WATERS AND THE TRIP TO DELICIOUS, all published by READERS to EATERS. She lives in Mount Vernon, Iowa. jacquelinebriggsmartin.com

Christy Hale has illustrated many award winning picture books, including Our School Garden! and Elizabeti’s Doll, along with its two sequels, Mama Elizabeti and Elizabeti’s School. She is also the author/illustrator of The East-West House: Noguchi’s Childhood in Japan, named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews. She lives in Palo Alto, California. Learn more about Christy at www.christyhale.com.

ABOUT FARMER EVA

Eva Sommaripa is a pioneering farmer who started Eva’s Garden more than 50 years ago in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. She has introduced culinary herbs, greens, flowers, and wild foraged goods to Boston area chefs and eaters. She has introduced culinary herbs, greens, flowers, and wild foraged goods to Boston area chefs and eaters. Eva experiments with wild edibles and parts of plants that are not well known, and is exploring the microbes that make growing and eating healthier for humans and our planet. In 2014, she became the first farmer to receive Wellesley College's prestigious Alumnae Achievement Award. Eva’s Garden is the subject of the book, Wild Flavors, written by chef Didi Emmons.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"Farmer Eva’s Garden Life is a poetic account of how one woman turned her passion into community both above and below ground. Kids and adults alike will be inspired by this beautifully illustrated recounting of her flavor-filled journey."—Em Shipman, Executive Director, KidsGardening.com

"A spectacular trip to the farm with a compelling story and equally accurate illustrations. Farmer Eva highlights the importance of farming, community and the soil that link us all."—Kevin Daugherty, Education Director, Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom

“Inspired by the scent of herbs at a local market, Eva Sommaripa started small by growing parsley, dill, and basil for her family on a parcel of land between the ocean and a forest. Martin’s lyrical verse describes the pleasure that Eva experienced: “Tending plants under the blue sky / soil on her hands, birdsong all around, / Eva’s best good time.” Eventually, she added other greens and herbs, with enough to spare for local chefs and her farm workers’ lunches. Eva’s curiosity about the life beneath her work boots led to research about the creatures living there, from worms to microbes. Richly textured spreads and spot art, composed of prints and collage elements, illuminate the vital roles of those “critters” and display Eva’s “compost buffet,” which includes coffee husks and “fish and chips” (seaweed and shells). “Eva’s Garden” has now been in business for more than 50 years; her nurturing has expanded to local children and new farmers who come to discover her sustainable methods. The joy Eva finds in the natural world culminates in her annual potluck, held in honor of the solstice. Eva’s community is a diverse one. While championing female farmers, this sumptuous book also celebrates discovery and good taste."—Kirkus Reviews