The Dinner Detectives, Clementine, Aksel and Sophia, take us on a playful journey of discovery through Italy and China with Marco Polo to untangle the tale of tagliatelle and the origins of pasta.

It is a simple, interesting and humorous history lesson as well as a story about three friends enjoying a meal

... of tagliatelle al ragú which Sophia’s father has made for them. The bright and expressive illustrations by Nigel Buchanan and the simple and engaging text by Yves Stening make this an attractive picture book which children between the ages of three and eight will thoroughly enjoy. Complete with the secret family recipe at the back, this colourful and glossy book which is the second in the series, will entertain and instruct as children discover interesting historical facts.

Reviewed by Grace Nolan