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Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis
Featuring gorgeous color illustrations by Coretta Scott King– and Caldecott-honor recipient Cozbi A. Cabrera, Melvina Noel’s Chef Edna is a warm and inviting picture book portrait of African American culinary legend Edna Lewis, who brought Southern cooking to the masses.
Edna loved to cook. Growing up on a farm in Freetown, Virginia, she learned the value of fresh, local, seasonal food from her Mama Daisy; how to measure ingredients for biscuits using coins; and to listen closely to her cakes to know when they were done.
Edna carried these traditions with her all the way to New York, where she became a celebrated chef, who could infuse traditional French food into her signature Southern style. The author of several cookbooks and the recipient of numerous awards, Chef Edna introduced the world to the flavors of her home.
Edna loved to cook. Growing up on a farm in Freetown, Virginia, she learned the value of fresh, local, seasonal food from her Mama Daisy; how to measure ingredients for biscuits using coins; and to listen closely to her cakes to know when they were done.
Edna carried these traditions with her all the way to New York, where she became a celebrated chef, who could infuse traditional French food into her signature Southern style. The author of several cookbooks and the recipient of numerous awards, Chef Edna introduced the world to the flavors of her home.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 24, 2023
Cozbi A. Cabrera’s beautiful, lush illustrations highlight Melvina Noel’s debut picture book. Just enough bio, but not too much, for its intended audience. For adult readers (yay!!) she includes Chef Edna’s biscuit recipe, along with a short list of (adult) books on or by Ms. Lewis. Recommended for any age reader.
Update for adult readers: Since finishing this book, I checked out and recommend Lewis' cookbooks, In Pursuit of Flavor, and The Taste of Country Cooking. Note that The Taste of Country Cooking is organized as sample meals for several holiday occasions. Her writing is just as lovely, but it isn't an all-purpose cookbook, so might be less routinely useful - albeit a great cookbook read.
Update for adult readers: Since finishing this book, I checked out and recommend Lewis' cookbooks, In Pursuit of Flavor, and The Taste of Country Cooking. Note that The Taste of Country Cooking is organized as sample meals for several holiday occasions. Her writing is just as lovely, but it isn't an all-purpose cookbook, so might be less routinely useful - albeit a great cookbook read.
June 5, 2024
3.5 stars, chefs and want-to-be cooks of all ages will enjoy this story about Edna Lewis who grew up in Virginia and learned to cook from her mother. Moving to New York City in the early 1930s, she brought her style of Southern cooking to the north. Those who love illustrations and the Easter eggs that artists included in books will want to look carefully at the illustrations on the endpapers and book jacket. Then take a peek under the book jacket for another look at Edna's life.
July 24, 2023
Successes:
An interesting person to hear about.
Beautiful cover.
Photo of Chef Edna in the back satisfied my curiosity.
Concerns:
- I thought the picture book format didn't give quite enough room for this talented woman's life story. The jumps from "moved to NY" to "hugely successful seamstress" to "restaurant co-owner (and supposedly chef, but that part isn't shown!)" were abrupt and without detail.
- The font was uncomfortably small.
- Sentence fragments bugged me. Meaning is lost. Often. Or obscured.
- The title is "Chef Edna" but there's that detour into fashion, which was interesting (if scant) but seemed like a deviation from what the title promised.
- And actually, we see her as a kid learning home cooking, but we don't get to see her transition into a chef. That felt unsatisfying.
An interesting person to hear about.
Beautiful cover.
Photo of Chef Edna in the back satisfied my curiosity.
Concerns:
- I thought the picture book format didn't give quite enough room for this talented woman's life story. The jumps from "moved to NY" to "hugely successful seamstress" to "restaurant co-owner (and supposedly chef, but that part isn't shown!)" were abrupt and without detail.
- The font was uncomfortably small.
- Sentence fragments bugged me. Meaning is lost. Often. Or obscured.
- The title is "Chef Edna" but there's that detour into fashion, which was interesting (if scant) but seemed like a deviation from what the title promised.
- And actually, we see her as a kid learning home cooking, but we don't get to see her transition into a chef. That felt unsatisfying.
November 14, 2024
Great children’s book about an African American woman known for her traditional Southern cooking. I first heard of her on Top Chef and wanted to know more about her. I learned so much about her life as the daughter of a freed slave, as well as her fashion design. I have several of her cookbooks on order from the library. The illustrations in this book are Gorgeous! And her biscuit recipe is included at the end! I plan to make them this weekend!
October 21, 2025
This was such a facinating read! It began by telling the sotry of a young girl who loved to cook with her mama daisy, it even included recipes. It then tells the story of a teenage girl forced into adulthood by loss and grief. To say she made the most of that situation is an uderstatment! I would be so grateful to have this book in my library. From the breathtaking illustrations to the story line, I was more than pleased! I would say this book is best for students kindergarden through 5th grade.
January 7, 2024
I had no knowledge of Edna Lewis, so I appreciate this beautiful introduction to her life, her passions and talents, her contributions. She grew up in Freetown, VA, which is in Orange, Virginia--very near where I live. Both the text and illustrations are beautiful and tell the story of her life--her struggles and hardships and challenges, as well as her special talent for cooking. I love many of the illustrations--Mama Daisy's eyes looking back as Edna listens to see if the cake is done; young beautiful Edna heading off to the big city (NYC) to earn money for her family; Edna on the streets of NYC in her self-made traditional African dresses; the page of outstretched clean plates, asking for seconds of Edna's Southern cooking. I'm curious about who the "actors, editors, poets and playwrights" are in the illustration at her restaurant on the Upper East Side on Manhattan--wish there were an author/illustrator's note (they seem too portrait-like to be just anybody). I love when a picture book is so well done that it draws me into a topic with which I have little background knowledge--and even interest--and makes me a fan.
January 17, 2024
Picture book biography. Edna Lewis was an African American woman who learned how to cook at her mother's side and took her southern cooking to NY. She grew up on a farm, learned how to make biscuits and cake (cakes are done when they are no longer hissing but quiet-- I have never heard of this method before!), and also cooked with the goods from the farm. She went to work in New York and sent money home for her younger siblings after both parents passed. Though she was a successful seamstress, even sewing for movie stars, she missed cooking and the feeling of community from her home in Freetown, VA. So she started cooking in NY and eventually became the co-owner of a Manhattan restaurant.
While this story is inspiring on its own, the illustration truly bring it to life. From the rich browns used for skin tones to the fresh food to the fashionable dresses, this is truly a feast for the eyes. I loved seeing an original farm-to-table cook and reading the descriptions of the southern meals. Glad to see a biscuit recipe is included in the back.
While this story is inspiring on its own, the illustration truly bring it to life. From the rich browns used for skin tones to the fresh food to the fashionable dresses, this is truly a feast for the eyes. I loved seeing an original farm-to-table cook and reading the descriptions of the southern meals. Glad to see a biscuit recipe is included in the back.
December 13, 2023
More people should know about this African American culinary icon. Once I get to a less busy season of life 🤣, I want to take one of Edna Lewis’ cookbooks and work my way through cooking one. Needless to say I have been waiting for this book to come out for a while!
The beautiful illustrations and color palette in Chef Edna capture the beauty of nature and country living. The simplicity of country living and pure natural ingredients greatly influenced Edna’s cooking.
I learned a lot from reading Chef Edna! I didn’t know that she was also a fashion designer for New York celebs as one of her many jobs. Part of the story explains how Edna Lewis continued to embrace her roots and her country upbringing in the hustle and bustle of New York City.
For blossoming future chefs, you will even get a few tips and a recipe for biscuits to try out! Definitely a great book for kids to begin their exploration of Black culinary traditions and farm-to-table practices. Highly recommend!
The beautiful illustrations and color palette in Chef Edna capture the beauty of nature and country living. The simplicity of country living and pure natural ingredients greatly influenced Edna’s cooking.
I learned a lot from reading Chef Edna! I didn’t know that she was also a fashion designer for New York celebs as one of her many jobs. Part of the story explains how Edna Lewis continued to embrace her roots and her country upbringing in the hustle and bustle of New York City.
For blossoming future chefs, you will even get a few tips and a recipe for biscuits to try out! Definitely a great book for kids to begin their exploration of Black culinary traditions and farm-to-table practices. Highly recommend!
August 1, 2025
Gorgeous and fascinating. One of those books I'd love to own to be able to flip through it and appreciate the artistry.
April 12, 2023
This picture book biography introduces us to Edna Lewis, an African American Chef in the 1900’s. Throughout her life and well into her 70s, she was an executive chef in New York City and the author of four cookbooks in which she focuses on southern cooking and shares tidbits about her life.
Chef Edna learned to cook as a child in her mama’s kitchen on her family farm in Freetown, VA, She and her mama used only the freshest ingredients found on their farm to prepare the family meals. It was then Edna came to believe that only the simplest, freshest ingredients, mixed with lots of love, would go into her cooking.
The richly colored, vibrant illustrations, created by Caldecott honor author Cozbi A.Cabrera, capture the mood of the story. You are transported to a Freetown farm and imagine the heat of the kitchen. You feel the joy at the table of a family meal. You feel the elegance of a chic New York restaurant. You feel the hustle, bustle of the early morning market. And you listen for the quiet cake, to know it’s done.
Happily, here’s another picture book biography to add to my shelf of books about the lives of strong women. Many thanks to the publisher and Blue Slip Media for sharing the copy of this book.
Chef Edna learned to cook as a child in her mama’s kitchen on her family farm in Freetown, VA, She and her mama used only the freshest ingredients found on their farm to prepare the family meals. It was then Edna came to believe that only the simplest, freshest ingredients, mixed with lots of love, would go into her cooking.
The richly colored, vibrant illustrations, created by Caldecott honor author Cozbi A.Cabrera, capture the mood of the story. You are transported to a Freetown farm and imagine the heat of the kitchen. You feel the joy at the table of a family meal. You feel the elegance of a chic New York restaurant. You feel the hustle, bustle of the early morning market. And you listen for the quiet cake, to know it’s done.
Happily, here’s another picture book biography to add to my shelf of books about the lives of strong women. Many thanks to the publisher and Blue Slip Media for sharing the copy of this book.
March 24, 2023
This is a stunning and enthralling picture book biography for young children on Edna Lewis. Many children will likely be unaware of Edna Lewis, but this book does such a great job narrating her life that I'm sure children reading this will be so happy to have "met" her. The end of the book contains some more details of Edna Lewis as well as her biscuit recipe.
I think the book does a great job honoring a love of home and food that was essential to Chef Edna's cooking. The illustrations are full of life and make you want to dive right in. Or, at least go make some biscuits!
I loved learning about Chef Edna and I know kids picking this book up will too. They'll be inspired by her life and legacy and love of home.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via the publisher. Opinions are my own.
I think the book does a great job honoring a love of home and food that was essential to Chef Edna's cooking. The illustrations are full of life and make you want to dive right in. Or, at least go make some biscuits!
I loved learning about Chef Edna and I know kids picking this book up will too. They'll be inspired by her life and legacy and love of home.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via the publisher. Opinions are my own.
June 12, 2023
I enjoyed this story about a successful African-American who grew up loving the fresh food from the farm and helping her mother in the kitchen. This was the beginning of Edna becoming an accomplished chef, working in New York City restaurants and opening her own restaurants there, too. Along the way, she also created clothes that were praised and coveted. Illustrations are lovely and it's another little-known story that's wonderful to read. Melvina Noel tells just enough to make us want to know more of the life surrounding Edna while Cozbi A. Cabreera's illustrations add more beauty to the story. The end covers from front to back are both gorgeous and show Edna's life's journey, delightful! I loved learning about this woman in our history. There is added information in an author's note and a recipe for Edna's biscuits!
September 12, 2023
Brief summary: Edna Regina Lewis grew up on a farm in Freetown, Virginia, where she learned to cook southern dishes from Mama Daisy. Edna's father passed away, requiring the teenager to work to help her mother and five siblings. At 15, she left for New York to find work to send money home. She had dinners for her friends, cooking the Southern dishes she had learned. They were so successful that she co-owned a restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan featuring the flavors and dishes she knew in Virginia.
Comments: The back sections are Author's Note, and Edna's "Biscuits for Two or Three". The illustrations of this book are large and bright, really bringing the story to life.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Comments: The back sections are Author's Note, and Edna's "Biscuits for Two or Three". The illustrations of this book are large and bright, really bringing the story to life.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
June 6, 2025
A memoir about famous Chef Edna who brought high class southern cooking to New York City. Edna Lewis grew up in Freetown Virginia cooking with her mother who was a great southern cook. She taught Edna how to tell if a cake was done. You listen to it and if it's crackling, it's not done, If it's quiet, then it's done.
Her parents died and she moved to NYC where she did many different jobs. Eventually she opened her famous restaurant and celebrities ate there.
She has several cookbooks out there.
I grew up Southern and there are times when I want southern food, but it's not my favorite.
The artwork is wonderful. It doesn't say the medium, but it looks like painting. The people are beautiful.
Kids interested in cooking and people who did it well will enjoy this.
Her parents died and she moved to NYC where she did many different jobs. Eventually she opened her famous restaurant and celebrities ate there.
She has several cookbooks out there.
I grew up Southern and there are times when I want southern food, but it's not my favorite.
The artwork is wonderful. It doesn't say the medium, but it looks like painting. The people are beautiful.
Kids interested in cooking and people who did it well will enjoy this.
April 28, 2023
I have been anticipating this title for a very long time. The golden age of picture book biographies continues! Warm, exceptional text about the remarkable chef Edna Lewis by Melvina Noel. Vibrant, lush illustrations by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King honoree, Cozbi A. Cabrera. This title is outstanding in every possible way. I definitely see it winning awards in 2024. It is magnificent!
May 17, 2023
"[...] Edna made cake. And how did she know when her cake was done? Mama Daisy showed her how to hold her ear close to it an listen. A bubbling sound? Back into the oven. A few minutes longer until... a quiet cake is done."
A sweet biography of an incredible woman. The illustrations are stronger than the text, but I'm grateful that this picture book exists!
A sweet biography of an incredible woman. The illustrations are stronger than the text, but I'm grateful that this picture book exists!
May 12, 2023
A gentle picture book biography of Chef Edna Lewis. Cozbi A. Cabrera's illustrations are the real standout here. The text is not bad by any means, but not particularly gripping either.
Themes: Black American History, Food, Tradition
Age range: Elementary
Themes: Black American History, Food, Tradition
Age range: Elementary
May 19, 2023
A biography about a lesser-known historical figure. I loved Cabrera's art and she captured the allure of Edna, but the main story could have used more and didn't feel as attention-grabbing as it could have been. Still, a great biography to have on shelves.
May 31, 2023
This picture-book biography celebrates the life of Edna Lewis, queen of Southern cooking. I hadn't heard of Lewis before and loved learning about her through this absolutely gorgeously illustrated book. Back matter includes an author’s note, sources, and a recipe for Edna’s biscuits.
June 5, 2023
6/3/2023 ~ I appreciated the attention to traditional southern cooking. I wished there were more details about Chef Edna's transition from dressmaking to cooking.
As always, Cozbi Cabrera's illustrations are luscious.
As always, Cozbi Cabrera's illustrations are luscious.
August 3, 2023
Made great leaps through time. I looked Edna Lewis up online afterwards, and she didn't just show up in NYC at age 15. She DID get fired for being terrible at ironing. That would have been a fun detail. The leap from dressing windows to dressing movie stars needed more transition.
January 22, 2024
My job is doing a multicultural children’s book drive and I picked up a couple books today. One of them being Chef Edna. I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover, but the book and story is gorgeous. So gorgeous, may purchase a copy for my personal library.
April 8, 2023
Be prepared to be hungry after reading this picture book biography!
July 9, 2023
A illustrated book on Edna Lewis a wonderful cook of southern cooking in New York City.
July 12, 2023
Amazing.
July 13, 2023
Absolutely stunning illustrations that bring to life a wonderful story. The text is evocative and makes you feel Chef Edna's love for cooking, and make you almost taste the foods that are mentioned!
July 15, 2023
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐦𝐠. 𝟏𝟎/𝟏𝟎, 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝.
July 23, 2023
Wonderful picture book about Edna Lewis and how she became a famous chef that many chefs today say were influenced by her.
September 12, 2023
What an incredible woman Edna Lewis was. I loved the photograph of her at the end of the book - she looks so regal and kind.
January 4, 2024
Absolutely stunning illustrations!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews