Little Secret [Hardcover]

Kate Saunders (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 2006

'Most important of all, The box must never be opened. Do you understand?' Jane is the only one to befriend the strange new girl in her class. All the other children think Staffa is weird, with her paper-white skin, strange way of speaking and funny old fashioned clothes. But Jane thinks Staffa is fun, and silly and brave even if she is undeniably odd. The only thing Jane doesn't like about her is her mother, Lady Matilda - a large woman who dresses in huge tweed knickerbockers, drinks a vile smelling tea and seems to be sizing Jane up for something. Nonetheless, Jane agrees to go on holiday with Staffa. Travelling with them is the exquisitely painted box Lady Matilda always keeps by her side. Jane is given strict instructions never to open the box but when she wakes one night to see a strange glow coming from it, she can't resist a peek inside. What she sees changes life for ever as she finds herself plunged into the tiny world of Eck...a world of slug steaks, spider racing and a tyrannical Queen hell-bent on marrying Jane off to her son...This is a vividly drawn contemporary fairytale, full of mad invention, adventure and wonderfully colourful characters.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—Jane, a British 11-year-old, is intrigued by the new girl, Staffa. The two enjoy all sorts of activities together, and Staffa's rather bombastic mother, Lady Matilda, invites her to visit them for the summer. Unbeknownst to Jane, if she accepts, she will become a pawn in a vicious plot that will prevent her from ever going home again. Through the vehicle of a dollhouselike box, Jane travels from her own world to that of a magical kingdom terrorized by Matilda, the dictatorial queen. She befriends the Eckers—the queen's fieldmouse-like subjects—and learns of their plans to overthrow the tyrant. When their revolution seems almost doomed, Jane courageously agrees to lead a rescue mission to free the imprisoned king. With the victory complete, Jane is able to return home. Children cannot help but be entranced by this Borrowers-like fantasy that mixes just enough otherworldliness with the realities of home, family, and friends to make one willingly suspend disbelief. The short chapters, introduced by well-executed black-and-white thumbnail sketches, are fast paced and clearly written. The many details, particularly those from the perspective of creatures much smaller than humans, add interest to an already-captivating story. While the rescue plan may be a bit contrived and the ending is predictable, they don't deter from the lively spirit and spunky characters that fill Saunders's text. The plot twists and turns enhance the tale and make one eager to buy into the protagonist's adventures. Furthermore, Jane's willingness to befriend those who are different will be a welcome message for today's readers.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Praise for "The Little Secret":

"Girls will devour Kate Saunders's "The Little Secret,""--"The Times "(London)

"A special book . . . perfect for older girls, about an unusual friendship and a box to rival Pandora's." "The Observer "(London)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Pan Childrens (July 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0333997727
• ISBN-13: 978-0333997727
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,004,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun adventure, February 14, 2011

By 

Danielle Rice (Warrenton, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Secret (Hardcover)

My 8-year-old daughter and I are reading this together - a chapter a night. It's a fun adventure story with a lot of humor. The story is very unique and keeps you guessing. A favorite line of my daughter's "Her neck is short. No it ain't. They all got short necks." It's a rather silly story with lots of good decisions and bravery on the part of the young heroine and lots of opportunity to laugh at the foolish adults...rather Roald Dahl-ish.