top of page
Children's Book Author

Behrman House/ Apples & Honey Press
Ages 7 - 10
ISBN 978-1681155494
Saralee Siegel (Book One)
Once Upon an Apple Cake
Saralee Siegel has a secret weapon. But it's not a normal secret weapon, like super strength or invisibility. She has a super-nose!
When Saralee helps Zadie, her grandpa, in their family's restaurant, she can sniff out ingredients like no one's business. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, it's time to slow down and wish each other a sweet new year. But not Saralee. This year her family needs her to make Zadie's famous apple cakes all by herself- even though she doesn't know the secret ingredient. Then a rival restaurant threatens to steal the recipe and all their customers. Saralee is going to need persistence, luck, and her super-nose if she's going to save the day!
This fast-paced, magical story is told in an illustrated chapter book format.
PJ Library Selection book
National Jewish Book Award Finalist 2019
Tablet Magazine Best Jewish Children's Books of 2019
REVIEWS
"A bit of magic and a happy ending make for a sweet New Year story. Delightful."
- Kirkus
"Fast paced, easy to read, over-the-top, and tasty."
- Tablet Magazine
"In Once Upon an Apple Cake, the children’s book debut for author Elana Rubinstein, you get a zany, charming story of the meaning of family and the strength of Jewish tradition. Not to mention a terrific recipe, too."
- JTA
"The busy Siegels each have a consistent and well-drawn personality, as well as having some silly traits, and showing a grandmother with dementia. They share joy, laughter, and love, along with an appreciation of Jewish foods and holiday celebrations all around the dining table."
- Jewish Book Council
"This funny and well-plotted story with delightful characters and amusing line-drawn illustrations is a perfect holiday tale for early chapter book readers."
- Jewish Journal
bottom of page