This Is Not a Cookbook: A Chef's Creative Process from Imagination to Creation

by Flynn McGarry, Adil Dara (Illustrator)

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!

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Juvenile, Food, Picture Books, Childrens

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Is Not a Cookbook is quick, it’s easy, and it makes me want to cook and cook until something delicious results. It has the same energy as Salt Fat Acid Heat but in a much easier-to-digest package for younger audiences. Love!

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The strength of this unique biography/cooking memoir [2.5 for me] is its organization. Each chapter's title consists of some version of its title so "This Is Not a _________" for each one, heralding a different perspective on cooking, living life, and even perfectionism. Chef Flynn McGarry offers some insight into his formative years and creative process and his great, great passion for cooking, and many of these tidbits will interest foodies or future entrepreneurs. But it's hard to wonder how a nineteen-year-old could open his own restaurant in New York City and make a success of it without plenty of financial support. It's also hard for those of us who live in places where the most exciting restaurant is some version of Olive Garden or Red Lobster to imagine ever eating the exotic fare he describes being on his menu and his guests' plates. Many readers will finish the book still curious as to how he manage to afford all the tools of the trade as a teen and how he has pulled off his success. Yes, it's clear that he brings passion and hard work to all his endeavors, great reminders for teen readers, and it's encouraging that he is fully aware of the importance of bringing one's own vision to a project, but what happens if that just isn't viable? The artwork had more appeal for me than the text, unfortunately, because there were abundant details about certain topics and few on others, resulting in a rather uneven narrative. Sadly, even the recipes in the back held little appeal for me. Perhaps I'm just a Philistine when it comes to these matters.

[Robert Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who has a yearn for a dream career.
I was the same age as Flynn when I knew what I wanted to be. Not unlike Flynn’s family, I was encouraged, and I succeeded. This charming book is loaded with good wit and humor as Flynn follows his dream of cookery.
Although this book does not include any heartbreaking, hard lesson learned stories, it does exude in the positive of striving for what one loves and how to be inventive, not depressed when faced with obstacles. His path to success is truly inspirational.
The artwork by Adil Dara is amazing. The crayon drawings are artful and adds a fun quality to the book. I dare say, many are suitable for framing.
Although targeted for 10–13-year-olds, I feel the vocabulary used at times is for a little older age group. Regardless, this book will take a career curious child to an understanding that one’s dream can be achieved through compassion, hard work, faith with some luck thrown in. After reading This Is Not a Cookbook, you may very well find yourself wanting to eat at his restaurant, let alone try one of his few recipes gratefully included in the back of the book.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by the publisher

The title is absolutely correct; this is not a cookbook. I had never heard ot this celebrity chef, but people who have might find this interesting. It is more about the creative process, and how the author's parents let him explore his own interests in ways that enabled him to fully embrace his potential.

I don't have the readers for this at my library (the only cookbooks that have really done well are Allison Deering's sandwich ones, and I think my students like these for the pictures and ease of instructions), since few ask for books about cooking. Public libraries, or schools with a culture of food and cooking, will find this to be an interesting and well illustrated volume.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chef Flynn McGarry has chosen an atypical picture book format to present his story which is part memoir, part examination of the creative process, and part cookbook to inspire other aspiring chefs and other artists. McGarry shares his journey to becoming a celebrated chef which shows how he followed his own path toward his dream and inspires others to do the same. The book ends with some of McGarry's well known recipes and how to prepare them.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flynn McGarry's essays for children makes for an inspiring and compelling ride. Compiled alongside illustrations in which he asks budding chefs and creatives to view the world differently and try new things, this book serves up a delightful tale of growth.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book/young chef is so inspiring!

[Jenina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique and charming

[Jillian]

A sweet little book on cooking and creativity. The illustrations fit perfectly too.

"With a little effort, I was able to elevate even my most hated ingredient into something incredibly delicious. My experience with beets changed the way I looked at ingredients. I learned to treat not only ingredients I cooked with, but also most problems in any creative process, like puzzles that need solving. Now every time I come across something that challenges me, I ask myself, "Can I do anything to solve this?" If we all figure out how to conquer our own biases, what greatness can we create?"

"My process of refinement came through reflection. Reflecting, refining, and allowing your opinions to change is how you continue to create endless possibilities. The creative process is filled with reinvention: even after you reach the goal you've set for yourself, there will continue to be endless things to create. The journey of self-discovery and creativity is a never-ending road, so enjoy the ride."

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this line: “If we all figure out how to conquer our own biases, what greatness can we create?”


I like beets and might try to find or attempt his beet wellington.

I was born and raised in CA so I also enjoyed when he talked about California.