FICTION

The Secret of the Scent Map

Apples & Honey. (Saralee Siegel: Bk.5). Mar. 2025. 128p. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781681156453.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-4–Saralee and her family are hard at work preparing for the upcoming Passover feast at their family restaurant. Using her “super-nose,” Saralee invents a few new dessert recipes. However, when Aunt Lottie arrives, makes a mess, and takes some of the treats without offering to help, Saralee says something unkind—and Aunt Lottie mysteriously disappears. Determined to find her missing aunt, Saralee and her best friend, Harold, embark on a global adventure, guided by a “scent map” that leads them to different countries. Along the way, they uncover surprising truths about Aunt Lottie. Jewish culture and traditional foods are woven throughout, offering a sense of familiarity for those who celebrate Passover, while introducing others to these customs. For those interested in trying Passover alfajores, which are popular in Argentina, one of the destinations on Saralee and Harold’s journey, a recipe is included in the back matter. Black-and-white illustrations bring this unique story to life.
VERDICT A valuable addition to early chapter book collections that combines a magical adventure with rich depictions of Jewish culture.

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