The Trouble with Secrets

by Linda Johnson Forssell (Illustrator), Karen Johnsen

What kinds of secrets do you keep? What kinds of secrets need to be told? The key is how you feel: if you feel happy and excited, it's probably a secret to keep. But if you feel hurt or confused, you need to tell a grown-up you trust. That's the message in this book, which uses familiar examples of many different secrets. An excellent tool for teaching children to think for themselves in confusing situations. Recommended by members of Parents Anonymous. Available in Spanish; see page 60.

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Sara Bushaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great book by this author, with an excellent lesson/theme. This book gives the young readers an idea on how to distinguish between surprises and worrisome secrets. It also shows kids how to think for themselves, and the importance of it. Lastly this book enables the readers to be faced with many secrets and or problems that they will have to judge/deal with themselves. Its an excellent self growth book and great for pre-k to third grade!

[Emily Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful tool to read with children.

[Mila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much abstract thought for a kid, needs to be way simpler. We had a full conversation about secrets after this book because it was so confusing and complicated.

[bookworm22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good general book on what secrets are and how some secrets are not safe or good to keep--when someone is hurting you or doing something wrong. Contains a little information about who to approach to share a secret with.

[Caralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a sensitive way to approach the topic of sexual abuse and how important it is to not keep it a secret and tell an adult. Well written, cute and silly illustrations. Definitely a book I recommend and would like to own.

[Mary Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The examples are dated (published 25 years ago) but the concept works: What kind of secrets do we keep (a birthday gift) and not keep (someone playing with matches.)Direct and brilliantly simple.