Meet Me at the Poughkeepsie Children’s Book Festival – March 28, 2026
Join Hudson Valley author Kathryn LaCombe at the Poughkeepsie Children’s Book Festival on March 28, 2026 at Dutchess Community College.
Inspired by real work in a community rescue kitchen, A Rescue Feast shows young readers where food comes from, why it matters, and how small acts of care make a big difference.
Also available to bookstores and libraries through Independent Publishing Group (IPG)
Explore A Rescue Feast—a heartwarming children’s book that weaves together food justice, empathy, and environmental stewardship, inspiring young minds to care for the world around them.
In a world where millions of pounds of food go to waste every year, I am dedicated to making a difference. As the Culinary Director at Second Chance Foods, I lead efforts to rescue surplus food, repurpose it into nutritious meals, and distribute it to families in need. My work is grounded in the belief that food should never go to waste when so many go hungry. Through volunteer coordination, meal preparation, and educational outreach, I am committed to reducing food waste and nourishing communities.
This passion for food rescue is what inspired me to write A Rescue Feast, a children’s picture book that teaches young readers about the importance of food rescue, gardening, and sustainability. By sharing the story of Billy and his grandfather, I hope to inspire the next generation to take action, reduce food waste, and embrace the power of community and the environment. My goal is to empower children to make a difference—just as we are doing every day in the kitchen.
In-person or virtual sessions reading A Rescue Feast, answering questions, and inspiring kids to care about food, community, and the planet.
Standards-aligned, downloadable resources for classrooms, libraries, and homeschool settings.
Kid-friendly recipes that teach sustainability and make giving back delicious and fun.
Keynotes, panels, and workshops on education, food justice, sustainability, and storytelling.
Join Hudson Valley author Kathryn LaCombe at the Poughkeepsie Children’s Book Festival on March 28, 2026 at Dutchess Community College.
Each year, 1.3 billion tons of food are discarded worldwide. At the same time, families across New York and here in Westchester County face food
Happy World Read Aloud Day! 🎉📚 This week I read A Rescue Feast to Pre-K–2nd graders, exploring how we can rescue and share food to
Before A Rescue Feast became a picture book, it was shaped by years of food rescue work, learning, and quiet observation. This page gathers the
Kids have a natural instinct to help. Learn how their empathy, creativity, and sense of fairness can teach adults new ways to care for each other—and how to foster these traits at home or in the classroom.
Learn how to teach seed germination to kids using simple language, hands-on activities, and everyday materials. No science degree required—just curiosity and a seed or two!
Whether you’re an educator looking for classroom tools, a librarian planning an event, or a parent curious about the book, I’d love to hear from you!
I will also notify you when pre-orders become available.