Charlie and I wanted to share a new children’s book with you Secrets that Sparkel (and Secrets that Sting.) Some children’s books open the door to conversations that are hard for grown-ups to start on their own, and Secrets that Sparkle (and Secrets that Sting) is a children’s book that does this in a kind caring way.
Secrets that Sparkel (and Secrets that Sting. is written by Joy Stephenson-Laws, edited by Tim Scerba, and illustrated by Nzephany Madrigal Uzoka, and this rhyming picture book is designed for children ages 5 and up. Making it the perfect book for my niece Alexendra and my nephew Joe.
Charlie and I wanted you to know from the very first pages, the Author brings us a soft, rhythmic, and intentionally child friendly story. The “sparkle” secrets are joyful and familiar things like surprise parties, birthday plans, and little hidden surprises meant to bring happiness.
These moments are written in rhyme and paired with playful imagery that helps children easily understand what safe surprises feel like. Charlie and I had fun seeing everything the children were doing in the book.
As the story continues, it gently introduces the idea of “sting” secrets which I hadn’t ever heard that term before—those feelings feel confusing, heavy, or uncomfortable at times. Without being frightening, the book helps children recognize emotional discomfort and understand that it’s okay to speak up.
One of the strongest parts of Secrets that Sparkle (and Secrets that Sting.) is its rhyme and rhythm. This makes the story reads smoothly when read aloud, making the story ideal for bedtime, classrooms, or counseling conversations.
The illustrations reinforce this gentle storytelling approach with everyday childhood scene including—playing, resting, imagination, and comfort—helping children feel grounded while reading. The message throughout is simple but powerful: children should never feel like they must carry secrets that feel wrong or unsafe, and trusted adults are there to help.
Secrets that Sparkel (and Secrets that Sting and continues reinforcing this idea in a calm, supportive way. What stands out most is the emotional safety of the book and how the Author introduces body autonomy, trust, and communication in a way that is appropriate for young children without fear-based language.
The book focuses on empowerment—helping children understand that their voice matters and their feelings are valid. The “Dear grown-ups” section is especially meaningful. It encourages caregivers to create calm, open spaces where children feel safe sharing anything that feels too big to carry alone.
Secrets that Sparkle (and Secrets that Sting)is a gentle, meaningful book that helps children understand the difference between safe and unsafe secrets without fear or overwhelm. The story works well for families, classrooms, therapists, and counselors who want to open early conversations about trust and emotional safety.
About the book: Joy Stephenson-Laws (Author)
Secrets That Sparkle (and Secrets That Sting) is a rhyming, read-aloud picture book that gently empowers young children to tell the difference between “fun secrets” (like surprise parties and hidden cupcakes) and unsafe ones that make them feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable. With playful language, clear contrasts, and emotionally safe storytelling, this book teaches children how to recognize secrets that should never be kept-and how to speak up with courage.
Written with 5-year-olds in mind, this book supports conversations around body autonomy, unsafe touch, and emotional trust. Ideal for parents, educators, therapists, and school counselors, it has a fully lyrical narrative and emotionally uplifting tone.
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Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
