PEPE & THE SECRET SAUCE.

PEPE & THE SECRET SAUCE.

Celebrating food, family and culture, with children!

Pepe and the Secret Sauce is a children’s picture book that is close to my heart, having spent most of my childhood in my Nonna’s kitchen.

Little Pepe is on a mission to learn the secret ingredients that make Nonna’s famous ‘Sugo’.

Follow along on his adventure from the garden to the kitchen, as he discovers there is more to cooking than he had imagined…a recipe full of gratitude, courage, patience and love.

I'm so glad you stopped by, thank you for supporting my first children’s picture book.

Let’s cook a feast together!

Our stockists

Love from our community…

  • "I highly recommend Pepe and the Secret Sauce. It follows Pepe's quest to learn the secret ingredients to make Nonna’s “Sugo” using language and imagery that speaks to young children. It is truly beautiful and sure to light up the imagination of your child, godchild, niece, nephew or friend."

    Mary Boyd, director of Woollahra Preschool

  • "I love Pepe and the Secret Sauce! It's on strong rotation in our house with my daughter asking to read it every night - it's her new favourite! Thank you for writing such a beautiful, wholesome book. It reminds me of my Nonna's secret sauce, which is so simple yet so delicious!"

    Nastassia Tognini, founder of Sorelle Eatery

  • "We absolutely LOVE Pepe and the Secret Sauce! My daughter was commenting so innocently about the similarities between Pepe, Nonna and our family. We gave a book to my Mum on the weekend, and she also loved it too. I especially enjoyed the last secret ingredient of love (sugar), which I thought was only done by Nonna."

    Alicia Walker, mother

  • “Reading Pepe and the Secret Sauce filled me with heartwarming nostalgia, reminiscent of my own beloved nonna. This delightful book beautifully captures the magic that unfolds when generations unite, showcasing the joy and connection that blooms when young and old come together.”

    Luca Asrress, mother

  • “Bellissimo! I am proud to have witnessed the journey of this book, from its inception to its creation. Full of heart and soul, Deana has passionately and authentically shared her own childhood memories. Excited to have a copy on the bookshelf to read to my grandchildren!”

    Melina Puglisi, nonna

  • "Tear jerking! The story itself, the work behind it, the colourful illustrations! The acknowledgement to your dad, Sam and the quiet acknowledgments elsewhere. Truly beautiful. Congratulations Dee, what an unbelievable achievement."

    Mary Charlston, mother

  • “This picture book shares a recipe straight from the heart. Join Pepe and his Nonna in a deliciously illustrated tale of joy, laughter and the secret ingredient that makes all the difference. Rich in story, colour and flavour, it is the perfect recipe for love as he learns the magic of cooking 'sugo'.”

    Giuliana De Felice, creative director