Lilly's Secret [Paperback]

Miko Imai (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 1997 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Worried about what her friend Joey will think, a little cat named Lilly hides her double paws after her neighbor makes fun of them, but Lilly gets a pleasant surprise. By the author of Little Lumpty.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Imai (Little Lumpty) centers this slight tale on Lilly, a cat who is self-conscious about her "weird" paws and tries to hide them from her suitor, Joey. After a few awkward encounters, Lilly confesses her discomfort to Joey, who in turn assures her that he has always known about her paws and that he likes them. As the two sit gazing at the moon on the final spread, Joey pipes up: "Besides, you never said anything about my crooked tail!" The dialogue is banal and the delivery flat. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations, meanwhile, include some appealing details (cat-shaped doorknockers; posters of fish), but the wide-eyed cats (and their pebble-sized teardrops) smack of preciousness. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 3-5. Sensitive Lilly is unaware that she is different from other cats until her neighbor Coco stops over for a mouse biscuit and a "friendly" chat. Coco cruelly makes fun of Lilly's double paws, calling them "weird" and asking if Lilly's beau, Joey, has noticed them. Lilly's feelings are hurt, and she becomes very self-conscious about her paws, which suddenly seem so big and so ugly that she's determined to keep them a secret from Joey. That evening, Lilly refuses to hold Joey's paw, and when they see Coco, Lilly runs off, afraid that her secret will be revealed. The soft watercolor illustrations have the same naive innocence and charm as Lilly, and Imai's message--be yourself--is simple and direct enough to be easily understood by even the youngest readers. Parents and teachers will find the book useful for introducing the concept of individuality. Lauren Peterson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (July 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763601586
• ISBN-13: 978-0763601584
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,547,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Lilly's Secret, October 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lilly's Secret (Hardcover)

I am now 15, but nine years ago when I was only six years old and in first grade, Lilly's Secret was my favorite book. I remember getting so excited to read it every night, and bringing it to class to copy the pictures with my best friend. We would draw these adorable cats for hours on end. I still read it sometimes, it is the best thing I can do to cheer myself up! The story and pictures are so sweet, whenever I see them I smile. I would definitely recommend this book to kids, especially any kitty-loving girls like me.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best children's books I've found..., August 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lilly's Secret (Paperback)

I work in the children's section of the local library, and as a result I have seen countless picture books and easy readers circulate hundreds of times. One work that is rarely on the shelf, though, is Lilly's Secret. What makes this book so different?

One of the most difficult tasks for finding a book for a child is getting one that both entertains and teaches. Lilly's Secret, with its adorable characters and vivid drawings, captures every child's attention. Its lesson of acceptance is both simple to comprehend and yet a powerful message. It's also succinct, which fits the unfortunately far too short attention span of today's youth.

I highly recommend Lilly's Secret, every child should read it at least once.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Early Reader, February 28, 2000

By 

Michael K. Liptack (Monroe, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lilly's Secret (Paperback)

My daughter loves this book. The pictures are well done. But most of all this book has a great story and message. It really encourages the reader to like people for who they are. I would recomend this for any 1-2nd grader....