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It's a Secret

(2009, Fiction - Picture Book, Illustrated by John Burningham)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Whimsical story ideal for young cat lovers.

Themes in this book include:   friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A little girl sneaks out through the pet door with her cat and parties all night, but it is all an imaginative adventure. Everyone joins in and has fun. 

  • Illustrations:

    Multi-media artwork that includes pencil drawings, collages, and paint is expressive and whimsical, and quite unique. 
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models:

    The little girl does sneak out at night, but it's made clear that this is just a fantasy.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About It's a Secret

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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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