My big secret by Felice Arena

Readers will immediately be drawn to the cover of My big secret, wondering what secret the little piglet is keeping to himself. Can it have something to do with his red scarf? Yes! Everybody in his family, from Grandma to his cousins, go for the Red team, but secretly he loves the Blue team. He wishes that he could wear a blue scarf and get the autograph of his favourite player, but he dreads what his family would think if they knew the truth. One night he can’t control himself and yells out 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' when the Blue team scores and his secret is out. But course, his family love him for being himself regardless of the colour of the team that he barracks for. And he paves the way for someone else to show their preference.

The simple illustrations are appealing and children will love following along as the family does all the things that are associated with following a team – wearing the colours, watching the matches on TV, and going to the sports ground. The colour red dominates at first but gradually blue comes in and then a surprise colour arrives at the conclusion of the book.

Arena cleverly shows children through the familiar situation of supporting a team that it is possible to have differing opinions and beliefs about things but still be loved and supported by your family. The theme of tolerance and acceptance for differing beliefs is one that is important today when children see violence and hate directed at diverse groups, and adults could use this book to initiate wider discussions about diversity.

Perfect for home, public and school libraries, My big secret is highly recommended.

Themes: Difference, Acceptance, Diversity, Barracking, Humour, Teams, Loyalty.

Pat Pledger