 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
It's a Secret
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Whimsical story ideal for young cat lovers.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids will enjoy this pleasant little story, especially those who like cats and wonder where they go at night. The story is set in an imaginary nighttime world where animals wear clothes, talk, and dance. Also, the little girl is able to make herself small enough to sneak out through the pet door.
What's the story?
Marie Elaine wonders where her cat goes at night, and has quite an adventure when he lets her tag along to a secret rendezvous that includes avoiding dogs, bopping out at a rooftop dance party, and dinner with the queen of cats. Is this really what cats do, or has it all been a dream?
Is it any good?
John Burningham creates a dreamy, imaginary world where cats, kids, and a couple of dogs mingle in a night full of frolicking fun and fantasy that kids will love. The story is fanciful and friendly, definitely told with a certain Alice's Adventures In Wonderland flair. And the artwork is enchanting: Burningham's illustrations are simple yet stunningly creative. His
pencil-drawn, painted characters are cut out and placed against
backgrounds that are either absent of color or dark with the mystery of
night, all of which adds to the secret.
From the moment Marie Elaine discovers the cat decked out in a green feathered hat and red jacket, the adventure begins. Marie Elaine is able to change size, follow the cat through a maze of buildings, and even meet the queen at the rooftop dance. And in the end, curled up on the couch with the cat, the girl is awoken from her dream by her mother. Kids may not love the ending, but they will cherish and enjoy the journey.
Multi-media artwork that includes pencil drawings, collages, and paint is expressive and whimsical, and quite unique.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about cats. Where do they go at night? Why do they sleep all day?
How was it possible for Marie Elaine to make herself smaller? Could a person really do that? Why is it not OK to sneak out at night?
What do you think about animals dressing up and talking? What about animals dancing and singing?
Why did the cat want to keep the party a secret? How did Marie Elaine get him to tell her? Why did they tell Norman? Do you think you could keep the secret?
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| Illustrator: | John Burningham |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Candlewick Press |
| Publication date: | June 9, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 56 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 4 - 4 |
| Read alone: | 7 - 7 |
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