Secret Place

by Eve Bunting, Ted Rand (Illustrator)

A small boy finds a secret place in the city that he shares with a white egret, mallards, and even ducklings.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Environment

26 pages, Hardcover

First published August 16, 1996

About the author

Also known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.

Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.

Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.

In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not quite sure why this book made me tear up, but it did. I think part of it is because of my admiration for the natural world and the perseverance of nature in the midst of the Anthropocene. Against all odds, despite humanity’s best efforts to grind the natural world into a powder they can use to pave roads and erect buildings, green things and wildlife thrive. I not only love that this book teaches kids about birds and has beautiful illustrations, it also shows that there are green spaces and beauty all around us, if only we have the eye for it. Really a lovely little book ❤️

[Emelda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did. The ending was weird. I felt like it could have been an amazing book on wildlife in/reclaiming urban spots... but instead it went on about keeping it a secret. Which I get, kids love secrets, but I just couldn't get into it. I like that the book reinforces there is wildlife in the nasty city, you just have to look for it.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy and several of his neighbors know of a secret place tucked within the bustle of city life where nature teems with wildlife that still survives within the encroachment of the industry and noise of the city.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might not find this secret place, but you may find one like it in your city. A quiet pocket of nature that the city grew up around and forgot.

[Janine Kunz · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/5 for illustrations. The story is slow although sweet. Children finding nature in the city. 4-7 yo.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soft little story about the secret places hiding right in front of us if we'd only take the time to look.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep in the polluted, bustling city there is a little runoff stream where wild creatures have managed to thrive. A young boy, his father, and a few other birdwatchers gather to observe the wild creatures passing through.

This book shows that nature is all around us if we just take the time to look. While not all readers will think it's great that the small group choose to keep the spot secret, I think this is very wise. It seems that for everyone who wants to see animals and habitat protected there is another who wishes to cause harm to the animals and change the habitat.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a reminder that even in the most urban settings--if we pay attention--we can find little nooks of wilderness, like this Secret Place. The watercolor illustrations are terrific, they represent the story perfectly.
It's like a love note to nature.

[Christie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great mix of nature and community. In the midst of a large city, there is a secret place where birds and animals can be seen. Beautiful illustrations, even a page that pictures different birds found there, with their names. Great independent or read aloud story.

[Nancy (Colorado) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using for a writing lesson.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nature thrives in the city in this book. The illustrations are very nice.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Bunting has once again created a beautiful picture book for all ages to enjoy. This primary level title describes the secret location of a wonderful hiding place for animals to enjoy in the heart of a city. The concrete jungle offers very little places of solace among nature, but Peter, the main character in this book, keeps enticing the reader with short descriptions of this hidden gem. Peter is careful who he tells about the "secret place" as he doesn't want anyone to spoil it's purity. This book would make a wonderful introduction to inferencing, as it keeps the reader guessing on what will happen next. Illustrator Ted Rand's beautiful watercolor artwork bring the story alive as he creates a bright, peaceful, natural landscape inside the dull, dark, urban neighborhood. This would make a wonderful title to read to young children for Earth Day, as well as those studying des

criptive writing and use of similes and metaphors.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even within a city of skyscrapers and warehouses, one can find a bit of nature tucked away. The "secret place" referred to in the title of this book is a river that runs through the city. There is wildlife that come to this river such as egrets and mallard ducks, as well as animals such as coyotes and possums. The boy in the story asks his neighbors how the wildlife found this place. The answer was, "They have always been here." The city grew around them. This book could be used in a classroom project on the habitats of animals and birds, and what types of food they need.