Chef Harley and The Sweet Potato Pie

Chef Harley and Granny Rene’s Sweet Potato Pie brings family, flavor, and just a pinch of fun to the kids’ book aisle. Written from the voice of Chef Harley, who also goes by her middle name, Brie, this story doesn’t just walk readers through how to make a pie. It digs up history, shares family memories, and sneaks in a little food science while it’s at it.

Chef Brie isn't messing around. She's got her measuring spoons ready, a bowl the size of her enthusiasm, and a recipe that’s been passed down for five generations. Yeah, five. That’s longer than most people keep phone numbers. She invites kids to roll up their sleeves and follow along as she prepares Granny Rene’s Famous Sweet Potato Pie. It’s not just about eating, it’s about learning where ingredients come from, why they matter, and how food connects people across time and place.

Readers don’t just get a recipe. They meet sweet potatoes that have been around since 750 BCE, find out what evaporated milk actually is, and even learn about nutmeg seeds from Indonesia. Bet you didn’t think a pie could take you around the globe without even needing a passport.

This isn’t a sit-down-and-be-quiet kind of book. It’s a get-up-and-make-something kind of read. Chef Brie breaks down each step so kids don’t feel like they’re reading a manual. You get real talk, straight from a kid who’s clearly done this before. She’s got her own opinions, like how light or dark pie crust should be, and isn’t shy about sharing them.
And no, there’s no big drama here. The only challenge? Waiting two hours for the pie to cool. That’s it. No dragons. No chases. Just a kid and her family doing what they do best, cooking and eating and dancing around while they wait.

Perfect for group reading, classroom cooking lessons, or just something to do with grandma on a Sunday afternoon, Chef Brie and Granny Rene’s Sweet Potato Pie gives kids something to chew on, literally and figuratively. It’s a family story, a hands-on guide, and a food history snack pack all baked into one.

Chef Brie might just be a kid, but she’s got big kitchen energy. She shows young readers that they don’t need to be grown-ups to get things done. They just need a little help, a lot of love, and a pie crust that’s ready to go.
So, if you’re into learning while licking the spoon, this one’s worth a read, and a bake.