‘The Pie that Molly Grew’: INFB announces 2026 Book of the Year

FRENCH LICK, Ind. — “The Pie that Molly Grew” is the 2026 Book of the Year for Indiana Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program.

The announcement was made at the inaugural Indiana Ag Gathering, attended by more than 950 INFB members.

The book is written by Sue Heavenrich with illustrations by Chamisa Kellogg. It educates young readers about each step of the growth process — from delicate seeds to healthy pumpkins on the vine, ready to be turned into their favorite fall treat.

At the back of the book, readers can find facts about pumpkins, the pollinators that help them grow and a pumpkin pie recipe.

INFB staff and professional educators selected this year’s book to bring awareness to Indiana’s own pumpkin farms.

Indiana ranks second in pumpkin production with 7,100 harvested acres of pumpkins as of the latest crop year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The INFB Women’s Leadership Committee has a goal to promote the book in every county throughout the state. Volunteers will read the book in classrooms and donate a copy to the school.