Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept

Some books for children carry a weight far beyond their page count. Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept, written by Jayneen Sanders and illustrated by Craig Smith, is a picture book that tackles one of the most difficult conversations a parent or caregiver can have with a young child: the difference between a safe secret and an unsafe one. First published in 2015 by Educate2Empower Publishing, this 33-page book has become a trusted resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to talk to children about body safety without causing fear or shame. Sanders, a former primary school teacher and outspoken advocate for child protection, brings both professional expertise and genuine warmth to the subject.

The story follows a young girl named Harper who carries the weight of a secret that does not feel right. Through Harper’s experience, Sanders introduces young readers to the concept that some secrets make us feel happy and safe (like a surprise birthday party) while others make us feel sick, scared, or confused. The message is clear and carefully framed: children should always tell a trusted adult when a secret makes them feel bad, no matter what they have been told.

Story and Illustration

Sanders keeps the narrative focused and age-appropriate. Harper is a relatable protagonist, and the story centers on her emotional experience rather than any explicit description of harm. This is a deliberate and skillful choice: the book opens the door for conversation without providing details that could disturb a young reader. Craig Smith’s illustrations are warm and expressive, with soft colors and accessible character faces that reflect a range of emotions. Children can look at Harper’s face and recognize worry, relief, and courage in a way words alone cannot convey.

The book includes a body safety discussion guide at the end, written for caregivers and educators. This addition transforms the book from a one-time read into a repeated conversation tool. The guide asks children to name their trusted adults and reinforces the core message with simple, direct language.

Reading Experience

At 33 pages with minimal text per spread, the book reads in about ten minutes. Sanders pitches the language at children ages three through eight, and the vocabulary is well-suited to that range. Younger children will follow the emotional cues from the illustrations; older children in that window will grasp the explicit message about body autonomy and safe disclosure. The pacing moves steadily, never dwelling too long on Harper’s distress, and the resolution provides a sense of safety and empowerment rather than leaving the child in a state of anxiety.

Themes

The central theme is child body safety and the empowerment that comes from knowing you have both the right and the permission to speak up. Sanders frames this through the language of body autonomy: Harper’s body belongs to Harper, and no secret should make her feel ashamed or afraid to tell a trusted adult. This framing is important because it avoids placing any responsibility on the child for preventing harm. The message is simply: if something feels wrong, tell someone.

A secondary theme running beneath the surface is the power of trusted adult relationships. The book repeatedly returns to the idea that a trusted adult will listen and believe the child. For many children, especially those who have already experienced something confusing or frightening, that reassurance is the most important thing on the page.

Style and Voice

Sanders writes in plain, direct prose that never talks down to children or over their heads. The sentences are short and concrete. The emotional vocabulary is simple but precise: words like “worried,” “confused,” and “safe” appear throughout, giving children language they can use themselves. The tone is gentle without being evasive. Sanders does not pretend the subject is easy, but she handles it in a way that feels steady and calm rather than alarming.

Verdict

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept does what the best issue-driven picture books do: it makes a hard conversation approachable without making it feel trivial. For parents, teachers, and school counselors looking for a starting point in child body safety education, this book earns its place on the shelf. It is not a substitute for ongoing conversation, and Sanders does not pretend it is. The discussion guide makes clear that the book is a doorway, not a destination. Children who already carry a difficult secret will see themselves in Harper. Children who have not yet encountered this situation will come away with a framework they can use if they ever do. That is a meaningful accomplishment for 33 pages.

Frequently Asked Questions about Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept

What is Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders about?

The book follows a young girl named Harper who is carrying a secret that makes her feel scared and confused. Through Harper’s story, author Jayneen Sanders teaches children to distinguish between safe secrets (like surprise parties) and unsafe secrets (ones that make them feel bad), and encourages them to always tell a trusted adult when they feel uncomfortable.

What age group is Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept appropriate for?

The book is recommended for children ages three through eight. The illustrations support younger children in understanding the emotional content, while children toward the upper end of that range will engage directly with the body safety message. It is widely used in preschool, kindergarten, and early primary classrooms.

Is Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept suitable for classroom use?

Yes, and it is one of the most widely used picture books for this purpose in primary school settings. The book includes a caregiver and educator discussion guide at the back, making it a structured tool for classroom body safety programs rather than just a one-time read-aloud.

What are the main themes in Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept?

The core themes are child body safety, personal body autonomy, and the importance of trusted adult relationships. Sanders also addresses the specific dynamic by which adults may try to silence children with threats or shame, and counters it with clear, empowering language that places no blame on the child.

Who is Jayneen Sanders and what is her background?

Jayneen Sanders is an Australian author, former primary school teacher, and child protection advocate. She has written numerous picture books on body safety and consent, and is the founder of Educate2Empower Publishing, which specializes in books that support these conversations in family and school settings.

Does Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept have a discussion guide for parents?

Yes. The book includes a dedicated discussion guide for parents, caregivers, and educators at the end of the story. The guide provides conversation prompts, helps children identify their trusted adults, and reinforces the book’s key messages about body safety in simple, accessible language.

How does Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept compare to other child body safety picture books?

It sits alongside books like My Body Belongs to Me by Jill Starishevsky and No Means No! also by Jayneen Sanders as foundational titles in the child protection picture book space. What distinguishes this title is its specific focus on the secret-keeping dynamic, which is a common tool used by those who harm children, making it particularly effective as a prevention resource.

Should I read Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept with my child?

Yes, if you want to open a conversation about body safety in a way that feels calm and manageable rather than frightening. The book provides language and framing that many parents struggle to find on their own. Children who read it with a trusted adult are better equipped to recognize and report unsafe situations. For that reason alone, it is worth every one of its 33 pages.