Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
0 0
Download high-resolution image
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00

This Is Not a Cookbook

A Chef's Creative Process from Imagination to Creation

Author Flynn McGarry
Illustrated by Adil Dara
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00
Ebook
RH Childrens Books | Delacorte Press
On sale Apr 18, 2023 | 128 Pages | 9780593119709
Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level: Lexile 1010L | Fountas & Pinnell Y
Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

See Additional Formats
In this uniquely accessible, fully illustrated nonfiction work for young readers, Chef Flynn McGarry, who at an early age discovered a passion for food and cooking and has since gone on to receive wide-acclaim as a chef, shares his insights and explores the elements of creativity as he encourages young readers to mix passion, hard work, and their own unique perspective to achieve results that might just be life-changing.

When Flynn McGarry was ten years old, he started to cook in a serious way. At first he simply wanted to make better food for his family, so with the help and support of his parents, he turned his bedroom into a personal kitchen. Yes, his curiosity was intense. He committed himself to developing his knowledge of food and culinary technique by reading cookbooks and watching chefs on YouTube and the Food Network. He then pieced together information that excited his sensibilities, paying attention to every detail—from the design of a kitchen to the type of container being used, from the color and texture of food to its arrangement on a plate. He thought not only about menus and the taste of food, but also about where it was grown and how it was harvested.
    Now in his midtwenties, Flynn is a well-known chef with his own restaurant and much more happening in his life. Still, with all his success, this modest young man is inspired to share his creative process and his innovative thinking about aesthetics and food, especially with young people. 
        Of course, some of Flynn’s favorite recipes are included, for those who also want to cook and eat well!
Flynn McGarry is an American chef based in New York City. He is known for hosting dinner tasting restaurant Eureka in Los Angeles and New York City. He has staged at Eleven Madison Park, Alinea, Next, Geranium, and Maaemo. He opened GEM, a sixteen-seat dining room for tasting-menu dinners, on New York City's lower east side in 2018.
Flynn McGarry View titles by Flynn McGarry
Adil Dara View titles by Adil Dara

Educator Guide for This Is Not a Cookbook

Classroom-based guides appropriate for schools and colleges provide pre-reading and classroom activities, discussion questions connected to the curriculum, further reading, and resources.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Read More
“Like a well-plated meal, this whimsical book will find its reader, who will savor it to its last morsel.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Part-memoir/part-inspirational guide. [McGarry] walks fellow dreamers through the hurdles of following one’s passion and embracing creative thinking. Dara’s illustrations bring the pages to life.” –School Library Journal

“This clever book encourages kids to tap into their creativity. McGarry makes clear that when you combine passion and hard work, dreams can be achieved. Vibrant illustrations perfectly pair with this lively, inspirational story.” —Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow . . . Books to Buy

About

In this uniquely accessible, fully illustrated nonfiction work for young readers, Chef Flynn McGarry, who at an early age discovered a passion for food and cooking and has since gone on to receive wide-acclaim as a chef, shares his insights and explores the elements of creativity as he encourages young readers to mix passion, hard work, and their own unique perspective to achieve results that might just be life-changing.

When Flynn McGarry was ten years old, he started to cook in a serious way. At first he simply wanted to make better food for his family, so with the help and support of his parents, he turned his bedroom into a personal kitchen. Yes, his curiosity was intense. He committed himself to developing his knowledge of food and culinary technique by reading cookbooks and watching chefs on YouTube and the Food Network. He then pieced together information that excited his sensibilities, paying attention to every detail—from the design of a kitchen to the type of container being used, from the color and texture of food to its arrangement on a plate. He thought not only about menus and the taste of food, but also about where it was grown and how it was harvested.
    Now in his midtwenties, Flynn is a well-known chef with his own restaurant and much more happening in his life. Still, with all his success, this modest young man is inspired to share his creative process and his innovative thinking about aesthetics and food, especially with young people. 
        Of course, some of Flynn’s favorite recipes are included, for those who also want to cook and eat well!

Author

Flynn McGarry is an American chef based in New York City. He is known for hosting dinner tasting restaurant Eureka in Los Angeles and New York City. He has staged at Eleven Madison Park, Alinea, Next, Geranium, and Maaemo. He opened GEM, a sixteen-seat dining room for tasting-menu dinners, on New York City's lower east side in 2018.
Flynn McGarry View titles by Flynn McGarry
Adil Dara View titles by Adil Dara

Guides

Educator Guide for This Is Not a Cookbook

Classroom-based guides appropriate for schools and colleges provide pre-reading and classroom activities, discussion questions connected to the curriculum, further reading, and resources.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Read More

Praise

“Like a well-plated meal, this whimsical book will find its reader, who will savor it to its last morsel.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Part-memoir/part-inspirational guide. [McGarry] walks fellow dreamers through the hurdles of following one’s passion and embracing creative thinking. Dara’s illustrations bring the pages to life.” –School Library Journal

“This clever book encourages kids to tap into their creativity. McGarry makes clear that when you combine passion and hard work, dreams can be achieved. Vibrant illustrations perfectly pair with this lively, inspirational story.” —Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow . . . Books to Buy

Additional formats

Related Articles

General English Language Arts Science Collections Health, Sports, Games, and Crafts Math The Arts High School Middle School Music

Get Inspired! Books for After-School Clubs & Activities

Coordinating after-school clubs and activities in your school community? Explore our collection of books that will help students discover their passion for new (and screen-free!) hobbies. Focusing on topics such as art, board games, crafting, cooking, nature, sports, and more—these books are bound to spark imagination and movement. Browse the middle school and high school

Read more

Get Inspired! Books for After-School Clubs & Activities

General English Language Arts Science Collections Health, Sports, Games, and Crafts Math The Arts High School Middle School Music

Penguin Random House Secondary Education

© 2025 Penguin Random House

Back to Top
0
    • 0
    Wish List (0)