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

“Packed with deliciousness, this fifth volume in Readers to Eater's Food Heroes series will delight seekers of all ages and inspire future female farmers. Captured in straightforward, descriptive verse, an information-packed biography of Massachusetts microfarmer Eva Sommaripa follows her beginnings as she is inspired by farmer's market herbs through her 50-year journey of growing and sharing gardening love. The subject's entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community are evident as Martin (Snowflake Bentley) brings Eva's garden to life through words; meanwhile, Hale uses subtly toned collage to unwrap the wonders of the environment in and under the garden, inviting children to examine all the little bits of nature scattered throughout. Educators will appreciate the treasure trove of gardening information, which includes an afterword by Eva, an author's note, extensive educational back matter, and additional resources. An all-around inspiring purchase for public-library collections that will spark readers' involvement.” —Booklist

“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.” 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)… While championing female farmers, this sumptuous book also celebrates discovery and good taste.” —Kirkus Reviews

“There's plenty of cause for awe in this offering… Throughout Farmer Eva's Green Garden Life, the finger-tempting collage art in subdued farm colors features plenty of children who can be seen rescuing salamanders, enjoying community-minded Sommaripa's annual Longest Day Summer Potluck, and so on. Several illustrations have the appearance of quilts, which suits the book's folksy-DIY spirit. Even the plant vignettes in the generous back matter look good enough to eat.” —Shelf Awareness

"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.org

"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

“Dig into the inspiring world of Farmer Eva in this captivating true story that mirrors the experiences of many female farmers. This delightful tale is sure to ignite curiosity for farming in every child and leave readers cheering “Bring Us More”!” —Audra Mulkern, Founder, The Female Farmer Project