Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept is a beautifully illustrated picture book that sensitively broaches the subject of keeping our children safe from inappropriate touch. We teach water safety and road safety but how do we teach ‘body safety’ to young children in a way that is neither frightening nor confronting? This book is an invaluable tool for parents, caregivers, teachers and health professionals. The comprehensive notes to the reader and discussion questions at the back of the book support both the reader and the child when discussing the story.

Suitable for ages 3 to 12 years

Note from the author

As the mother of three young children, I knew at some stage in their young lives I would not be there to protect them. With the talk of the ‘first sleep-over’, I realized I needed to broach the delicate subject of how they could protect themselves from unwanted interference. I challenged myself to write this book so parents, carers and educators had a tool (one I did not have) to open up the discussion on self-protection.

Forewarned is forearmed. If a situation like the one Sir Alfred encountered were to happen to a child, it is my sincere hope that they could draw on what they have learned from the story and the subsequent, essential discussion — and speak up.

Reviews:

• I believe this is a must have in every home. It helps children to understand that they have ownership of their own bodies and that no one else has the right to impinge upon that ownership. It also explains, in a very accessible way, that ‘some secrets should never be kept’ which is a vital lesson for all children.
• The book also suggests discussion questions and I found those extremely useful after reading the book to my children. We now re-read it every so often just to reinforce its messages.
• Excellent.