About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is practically vibrating with the effort of keeping a happy secret. The story follows Clinton Gregory, a boy whose secret is a tiny elephant named Horace living in his pocket. He tries his best to hide Horace, leading to a series of funny and relatable mishaps. The book sweetly illustrates the tension between guarding a special secret and the bursting joy of sharing it with people you trust. For ages 3 to 6, its charming illustrations and lighthearted humor make it a perfect choice for normalizing the excitement and slight anxiety of holding onto a wonderful surprise.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is a light, fantastical story with no sensitive content.
Ideal Reader
A preschooler or kindergartener (ages 4-6) who is just beginning to understand the concept of secrets. It is especially well suited for a child who is bursting to share good news, like an upcoming birthday party or a special gift, and needs a way to channel that excited energy.
Parent Prep
No preparation is necessary. The story is simple, sweet, and can be read cold. A parent could use it as a gentle springboard to discuss the difference between happy secrets (surprises) and secrets that make you feel worried, but the book itself does not require it. A parent sees their child struggling to contain their excitement about a surprise. The child might say, "I have a secret but I can't tell you!" and then look like they are about to pop. This book gives them a character to relate to in that moment.
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