THE SECRET OF THE SEVEN TASTES (Smaakspoken) is an award-winning illustrated children's novel written by Daan Faber and illustrated by Jose Luis Garcia Lechner of StudioGarcia. Published by Volt (Singel Uitgevers), with literary representation by Sebes & Bisseling, Amsterdam.
The story follows Olivia, a young girl who dreams of becoming a chef like her father. Over seven nights, seven flavour phantoms take her on a journey through the fundamental tastes — salty, spicy, sour, fatty, umami, bitter and sweet — connecting food with universal emotions and diverse cultures.
The book won the Bronze Penseel (2022), one of the Netherlands' most prestigious children's book prizes, and the Jenny Smelik IBBY Prize (2022) for outstanding cultural diversity in children's literature. In 2025 the illustrations were shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards.
In 2024 musician Gerson Main teamed up with various artists to create seven songs inspired by the seven tastes. One song won the Willem Wilmink Prize for best Dutch children's song. An audiobook version narrated by actress Thekla Reuten is also available.
An English translation by award-winning translator Laura Watkinson is available. Publishers and agents interested in international rights are welcome to get in touch.