April 1, 2025

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If you've ever turned your back in the kitchen for one minute, only to find flour in the air, spoons in every pot, and your child declaring, “We’re making something secret!” then this story might feel wonderfully familiar.

 

YAKI TAKI -THE SECRET RECIPE is a playful, 800-word picture book for ages 3–7 that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the delicious mess of childhood imagination. 

 

When Mom steps out of the kitchen, two red panda brothers Yaki Taki and Toshi spring into action, and whip up their very own mystery recipe using “ingredients” like invisible sugar, squeaky spice, and a sprinkle of giggles. But this reversal doesn’t happen until the end, leading first time readers of this story (including parents) to be shocked at what’s happening. 

 

But will Mom be surprised or horrified when she discovers what they’ve made? This story is written for families who bond over food, who know the joy of letting kids stir the batter (even when it lands on the floor), and who believe a love of cooking starts not with perfect results, but with imagination. 

 

With cozy, kitchen-set illustrations and a rhythm that begs to be read aloud, Yaki Taki makes a perfect gift for foodie parents, grandparents, and teachers who want to share (and make some real secret recipes from the book) the magic of cooking with the next generation.

 

See flipbook below.

 

Bios:

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Sean Webley - is a filmmaker, visual artist, and writer with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. With over twenty years of experience, his work as a cinematographer has been showcased at festivals around the world, including SXSW and The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. His visual art has even been exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

 

When he’s not behind a camera or creating visual art, Sean loves bringing stories to life on the page. His first children’s book, Yaki Taki, follows two imaginative red panda brothers who turn their kitchen into a playground of creativity, chaos, and fun. Sean has also written graphic novels and plans to continue writing more children's books that spark adventure and curiosity.

 

He believes that the best stories—like the best recipes—come from a little mess, a lot of imagination, and a dash of surprise!

 

 

Tom LaBaff - After graduating from Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, he spent the first decade of his illustration career making animated films for Walt Disney Studios. He has illustrated numerous books for publishers such as The Town of Zack for Worthwhile, and Aly Cat Takes on First Grade for Scholastic. Tom has 2 new picture books coming out this year. Most days you can find him walking the early morning sand in Vero Beach.
 

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