Synopsis:
Share Some Secrets, is a story that encourages children to think about the secrets they should and shouldn’t keep, encouraging them to speak out without fear, by giving praise. The story is also available on audio and free to download. Synopsis: The story begins with Mum, (Emily) telling the family about a surprise party for Granny, and that it’s a secret that she would like them all to keep. Billy notices that Milly is always quiet, after their Uncle has visited. Billy encourages Milly to share her secret which she eventually shares with her teacher. The issue is addressed and Milly is praised by the teacher and her family. The story ends with a surprise party for Granny.
My review
Share Some Secrets by Christina Gabbitas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am glad to be able to review and share my opinion on such an important topic handled with great kindness and sensitivity. The message of Share Some Secrets is implied through picture rhyming audio and in paperback (for ages around 5 – 8 year old.) The emphasis is on praise – encouraging the child to come forward and share their secret and not to be afraid to do so.
The publication has been endorsed by the NSPCC and Barnardo’s.
In the story Milly is finding is hard to say what her secret is but with the help of her kind brother Billy she manages to get the help she needs.
The illustrations by Ric Lumb accompanying the text enhance the message well. Making it easy for young children to understand how important it is to speak out – even if that secret is embarrassing or distressing – or involves a person in a position of trust, such as a family member.
The story ends on a happy note and there is a short but all important reminder at the end about how important it is to share your secret.
This should be used as a teaching aid in all schools so that children can understand that is okay to speak out and to get help.
My recommendation: Highly recommended. 5 stars
Thank you to the author Christina Gabbitas for gifting me a copy. I happily give my unbiased and considered review.
I have also reviewed another title from Christina Gabbitas – No More Knives.
Link to the review for No More Knives: https://mjmallon.com/2020/11/30/book-…
View all my reviews
https://www.christinagabbitas.com/share-some-secrets/
Over the years, I’ve read a few sad tales about child abuse, sexual and otherwise and have a good friend who had a horrendous breakdown in her 60s, having been perpetually abused as a child. It’s hard to imagine the awful sadness, fear and guilt she felt for so long, even though she was completely innocent, because no-one listened when she spoke out…Children should be made aware.Such a book should be brought to the attention of more people, so full marks to the author and to Marje for her valuable coverage.
Thank you Joy. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. That is so sad. I hope sharing my review brings more attention to this book. Such an important issue and important to educate youngsters about what to do in such cases. Truly sad that we have to think this way. But that is the world we live in.