Do You Have a Secret?

Let's Talk About It Books

by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, Marta Fabrega (Illustrator)

Sometimes, keeping a secret can feel scary or confusing. This gentle, reassuring picture book helps children understand the difference between good secrets, surprises, and secrets that need to be shared with a trusted adult.

Do You Have a Secret? is a trusted resource for families, teachers, and counselors guiding children ages 4–7 as they learn about privacy, personal safety, and healthy communication. With clear, age-appropriate language and expressive illustrations, this book encourages children to talk openly about secrets, eases anxiety and shame, and helps build a foundation for safe, confident decision-making.

What This Book

Empowers children to recognize the difference between safe surprises and unsafe secretsReassures kids that it's always okay to talk to a trusted adult if a secret feels uncomfortable, scary, or wrongValidates every emotion―curiosity, worry, confusion―showing kids they're not alone and it's okay to ask questionsEncourages open family conversations about privacy, safety, and trustIncludes a parent and caregiver guide with expert advice and conversation prompts for ongoing supportPart of the acclaimed "Let's Talk About It!" series, trusted by families and educators to help children navigate big feelings and life's toughest moments with confidence and care.

Give your child the tools to understand privacy and safety with this essential, heartfelt story―designed to bring comfort, confidence, and security to every home.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Abuse

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Xristina Karvouni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Το διάβασα καθώς έκανα μια απαλλακτική εργασία περί ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών ομάδων παιδική κακοποίησης. Πολύ βοηθητικό και χρήσιμη σειρά βιβλίων γενικώς για γονείς και εκπαιδευτικούς.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book is supposed to bring about more serious issues when children think they cannot tell anyone something that has been done to them, but I think this book would even be good for just the normal, everyday secret. Growing up, children can be cruel to each other and keep or spread secrets. This book deals with what secrets are good and which ones are bad. It teaches children how to deal with good and bad secrets and who to tell when they need help with a secret.

[Maria G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book as a way to start a conversation with my kids about secrets and surprises. I like that it does engage with them by asking questions. I didn't like that there were good secrets and bad secrets but my families decision is that we don't have secrets only surprises so I make word changes when we talk.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book. I don't currently have kids but I do have nieces and nephews and someday hope to have my own and I think books like this are extremely important to know about and share.

I've thought different times over the years about secrets because of things I've read and heard and my leaning was towards just basically teaching my future kids that secrets are bad; I wasn't sure how you would show that some can be happy ones and some could be bad. But I thought this book did a fairly good job of demonstrating the different types of secrets in a way even children can understand because of how they linked the different types to the feelings that they create in the person who is asked to keep them.

[Yujeong Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a child’s safety, this book is crucial! It’s aggravating when harm is inflicted on children, and especially when they are unable to sense or be aware of what might be happening to them. This book provides a stepping stone for kids to be more communicative about their concerns, and brings adult awareness of their responsibility to protect.

[Brooke Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I think it would help kids understand the difference between good and bad secrets and who they can turn to. I wish they did explain more what to do and maybe who to turn to when the person you trusted is the one that did the bad thing.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book’s approach to the topic. I add as I’m reading to my kids that “good secrets” are also called “surprises” since that’s the verbiage I’ve used to help them keep gifts a surprise. I’d consider this good for ages 3-8.

[Zainab Awami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book that gives examples about good and bad secret and Lakers the children talk about sexual abuse and make them to talk about it if happened

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best protective behaviours resources I have come across so far! Very easy to understand and lots of good conversation starters!

[Elisha Cocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduces topics of bullying, morals, safeguarding, feelings of worry, concern, how to approach adults about sensitive topics/conversations

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story to get conversations started. Even has a place at the end to share if they need to

[Maritina Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon

[شیما · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good and informative

[ali wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have found this so useful for my sessions where I explain body safety! Kids are responsive and engage with the questions posed in the book :)

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would be a good book for very young children – ages 2 to 5 maybe. It differentiates between a good secret in a bad secret. But ultimately I would also recommend the book God made all of me by Justin Holcomb. This book is much more general to just good and bad things that happen, which is amazing and wonderful to address. But if you're looking for something specifically that addresses child sexual abuse, look at God made all of me.

[Hillingdon Libraries]

Find this book at Hillingdon Libraries

[Cws]

JEPIC-Moo

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to explain a difficult topic without frightening your kids.