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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Secret Sauce (A Story of Apples, Robots, and a Grateful Heart) is a heartwarming children’s picture book written by Fay A. Klingler with illustrations by Sakharam Umrikar. The story centers on Rena Whittaker, an eleven-year-old girl who steps up to help her neighbor, Ethan, after he hurts his leg picking apples. When Rena finds Ethan on the ground, groaning in pain, she jumps into action, leaving the artwork she was doing with her best friend, Harper, and her robot dog, Echo. She calls her mother to come and assist. Everybody comes to help finish picking the apples, calling Ethan's daughter, and making Ethan comfortable. Ethan is overwhelmed by all the love and care he receives, and he decides to share his gratitude. He teaches Rena and Harper how to bake an apple chocolate cake, and with his new robot Bikkle, they compose a song together.
The Secret Sauce is the second book in the Rena Whittaker book series, and it focuses on gratitude, teamwork, faith, and technology. The sweet moments between Ethan, Rena, Harper, and Bikkle show the importance of learning from elders, working together, and having fun. Apart from the different generations exchanging knowledge on technology and family, the story also has a faith-based message about being thankful. Fay A. Klingler has added fun interactive elements like song lyrics and a recipe for baking apple chocolate cake. The artwork brings the characters and their personalities to life. The fusion of different cultures and ethnicities in the story will help children embrace others with love. The ending was emotional and a great reminder to be there for one another. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend adding it to your children’s reading list because it is entertaining, lesson-packed, and will remind them to be helpful and thankful.
