Lee, Laura G. Soy Sauce! Laura G. Lee, Illus. Little, Brown, 01/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5235-2838-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.
How is soy sauce made? What is its history? Who makes soy sauce? These questions are answered in this fun and oversized picture book celebrating soy sauce. Follow along with Luan, who makes Chinese soy sauce, Haru, who makes Japanese soy sauce, and Yoo-mi, who makes Korean soy sauce. China, Japan, and Korea all brew their soy sauce differently based on family traditions and taste preferences. With lively watercolor illustrations that incorporate actual soy sauce, this large book celebrates soy sauce in all its universal greatness! The last section highlights differences in ingredients among Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Indonesian soy sauces, which contribute to their distinctive flavors. Soy sauce is an authentic “slow food.” As stated, “There’s a tradition in Korea of brewing soy sauce for a newborn to give as a gift at their future wedding. Some of the oldest soy sauces on earth have been brewing for over 350 years!”
Alva Fong—Independent