The Secret of the Scent Map

*School Library Journal Starred Review: "A magical adventure with rich depictions of Jewish culture."

Association of Jewish Libraries: "This captivating story blends humor, mystery, and Jewish traditions while thoughtfully exploring themes of individuality and family heritage."

Aunt Lotte has gone missing! In this fifth book of the popular SARALEE SIEGEL chapter book series for ages 6-8, Saralee becomes frustrated with her aunt and says some things she really doesn't mean. But when her aunt disappears leaving only a strange, scented map, Saralee must once again rely on a good friend and her super power--her sense of smell--to find her.

The Siegel family is busy busy busy! The entire restaurant has to be prepared for Passover. That means cleaning everything, ridding the kitchen of all the bread products, and creating a completely new kosher menu. Everyone was chipping in to do their part. Everyone except Aunt Lotte. She got frustrated after polishing one spoon, and now prefers to sit around while other people work hard. She even eats the food made for the restaurant's customers!

Saralee is getting more and more upset, and she can't hold herself back any longer after Aunt Lotte knocks the freshly peeled horseradish into the trash. Saralee peeled them herself, despite her super-nose being sensitive to the bitter smell. And Aunt Lotte didn't even apologize! After arguing with each other, Saralee says some hurtful things she doesn't mean. But when she goes to apologize, she realizes Aunt Lotte isn't in her room. She has vanished--leaving behind a strange map of the world with tiny glass perfume vials attached to it.

Saralee will need the help of her friend Harold as they figure out what this map means and how it will lead to Aunt Lotte.

Author: Elana Rubinstein
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press
Published: 03/25/2025
Pages: 128
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 7.60h x 5.40w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781681156453
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 12/01/2024 pg. 108

About the Author
Rubinstein, Elana: - Elana Rubinstein is the author of the Saralee Siegal chapter book series, including Once Upon an Apple Cake, A National Jewish Book Award Finalist; Starlight Soup; A Donut in Time; and The Royal Recipe. She is an early childhood educator living in Fairfax, Virginia.Naalchigar, Jennifer: - Jennifer Naalchigar is a British-Japanese illustrator. After working as an Art Buyer for Oxford University Press, she decided that illustration was the career for her. Jen's client list includes HarperCollins, Hachette, Oxford University Press, Pearson, Random House Children's Books, Reycraft books and Scholastic. She lives in Hertfordshire, England.