Sheila Hara's The Secret Cave and the Light of the World follows the adventures of three young siblings as they embark on an extraordinary journey. Hiro, Lani, and Wazi were hanging out at their favorite spot near the old treehouse in their backyard when they stumbled upon a hand-drawn map with directions to a cave. Hoping to find treasure, the three siblings begin to stuff their flashlights and bottles into their backpacks. But Papa is also joining their quest to explore the caves. As the group follows the map's instructions in the tunnels of the cave, they come across ancient symbols and Bible verses written on the walls. Meanwhile, their only source of light is a small lantern. The siblings soon learn to trust the light.

The Secret Cave and the Light of the World is a fascinating adventure for preteen readers. It's a story about faith and finding light in the midst of darkness. Author Sheila Hara has woven a heartwarming lesson about trusting God's light into a captivating narrative that young readers are bound to enjoy and love. Although it's a short story, the author laces the fast-paced plot with a fair share of mystery, intrigue, and drama to ensure children are engrossed all the way through. The main highlight for me, apart from the profound message, was the characters. Hiro, Lani, and Wazi's sibling dynamic feels genuine and is such a joy to read. Kids will find Wazi's antics particularly hilarious. A fantastic adventure for young readers.

The Secret Cave and the Light of the World by Sheila Hara is a captivating and heartwarming tale that blends adventure, faith, and self-discovery. The story follows three siblings, Hiro, Lani, and Wazi, on an unexpected journey that begins with the discovery of an old map in their treehouse. What starts as a quest for treasure quickly transforms into a deeper exploration of trust, courage, and the guiding presence of Jesus as the Light of the World. Hara weaves suspense and spiritual lessons, making the book both engaging and meaningful. The siblings’ dynamic is relatable and entertaining, with Wazi’s humor providing comic relief, Lani’s logical approach grounding the group, and Hiro’s adventurous spirit driving the story forward. Their multicultural family adds depth to the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into diverse perspectives while emphasizing the universal truths of faith and love.

The pacing is excellent, with each chapter introducing new challenges and revelations. From navigating dark tunnels to crossing an underground river, the siblings face moments of fear and uncertainty that mirror real-life struggles. Through these experiences, they learn to trust the light, both literally and metaphorically, and discover that the true treasure lies in the lessons they gain along the way. Robert Hara’s illustrations complement Sheila Hara's text beautifully, bringing the cave’s mysterious atmosphere and the glowing symbols to life. The imagery reinforces the central theme that Jesus is the guiding light in even the darkest places. The bonus pages, which include a memory verse, discussion questions, and an activity, make The Secret Cave and the Light of the World interactive and ideal for families or small groups looking to explore their faith together.