The Secret Keeper [Hardcover]

Kate Coombs (Author), Heather M. Solomon (Illustrator)

Book Description

In the village of Maldinga, anyone troubled by a secret knows just where to take it -- by following the winding path through the woods to Kalli's cottage. Tailors and farmers, marriage-makers and bakers -- almost everyone comes to see Kalli, for she is the village secret-keeper, and over the years she has stored hundreds of secrets. But one long winter, Kalli falls ill, and the weight of the hidden secrets begins to catch up with her. Spring brings the curious villagers, who wonder what ails their secret-keeper. The time has come for them to help Kalli and for her to learn some unexpected secrets. Is it possible not all secrets are sad? And could someone have a secret that's just for Kalli?

An original fairy tale as beautifully illustrated as it is told, The Secret-Keeper is a book to share with everyone.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4–The people of Maldinga take their unpleasant secrets to Kalli, the secret-keeper. A baker tells her that he sells bread that weighs less than full measure, a matchmaker reveals that she lied about a groom's merits, and a rich man discloses that he refused to help a beggar that came to his home. Only Taln, a potter, does not bring secrets. Instead, Kalli visits his shop and they enjoy friendly conversations. One winter, she becomes ill, and it is only when the villagers share some happy confidences with her (My mama and I dance in the meadow) that she regains her health. Then Taln arrives to reveal his own hidden thoughts–I love the secret-keeper. The illustrations are an intriguing blend of paint and collage that exude texture and depth. Illuminating oil colors contrast with the softer and more muted watercolors. Expressive faces and postures individualize the characters, and a lovely spread shows the villagers celebrating Kalli's recovery. An uplifting modern fairy tale.–Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 3. Set in an enchanting village, this story about the burden of secrets is buoyed by Solomon's gorgeous illustrations and the often-lovely language used by first-time author Coombs. Tall and mysterious, raven-haired Kalli is Maldinga's secret keeper. Villagers come to her forest home to tell her their shameful secrets, which are transformed into objects that Kalli stores in the drawers that line her cottage. The villagers go away "a little lighter of heart," but Kalli is so weighed down by their revelations that she eventually takes to her bed. It's the blacksmith who comes up with the fine idea of sharing good secrets, which include a whispered declaration from the potter's handsome son: "I love the secret-keeper." All is repaired a little too quickly, but children won't mind too much; they'll likely be captivated by the warm tones of Solomon's paintings, framed in round or rectangular borders, and by Kalli and her fellow Maldingans, their eyes shining with alertness and intelligence as they live harmoniously with nature. Abby Nolan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (May 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689839634
• ISBN-13: 978-0689839634
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,110,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kate Coombs writes original fairy tales, poems, and middle grade fantasy novels. Her picture book, The Secret-Keeper, was a Parents Choice Recommended book and a Junior Library Guild pick for 2006. Her comic fantasy, The Runaway Princess, was an American Library Association Notable Book for 2007, was included in Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year (also for 2007), and was nominated to master lists in three states. The sequel, The Runaway Dragon, has been well reviewed by Kirkus, School Library Journal, Booklist, and the Horn Book Magazine. Look for her 2012 books, a retelling of a Grimms' fairy tale called Hans My Hedgehog and a collection of ocean poems, Water Sings Blue. After spending most of her life in Los Angeles, Kate recently moved to Utah, where she has to admit the mountains are really great. Kate has worked as a K-12 and college teacher and is currently an education editor for a small publisher. She also blogs about children's books at Book Aunt.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Power of Happy Secrets, June 6, 2006

By 

Lawrence MacKenzie (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Secret Keeper (Hardcover)

This is a refreshing tale, perfectly illustrated. My copy of The Secret Keeper has already been loaned and read aloud to intrigued school children. The story produced plenty of curiosity, compassion for Kalli the Secret Keeper, and good discussion.

Kate Coombs has a talent for delightful invention. It's not surprising that a dishonest baker, an irresponsible match maker, or many another burdened villager would feel some relief after Kalli has heard one of their guilty secrets. But readers may be surprised to learn what fittingly symbolic objects the secrets turn into in Kalli's magical hands.

This delightful tale is not just about the burdens of the confidante or counselor; it's about how a community comes to broaden its understanding of secret-sharing. In a crisis, the villagers' decency and love emerge. What about telling their very ill Kalli "bright and fair secrets, like a spring morning"? The secrets told in this part of the story (and the butterflies and other beauteous things they turn into) are wonderfully simple and touching. This is where The Secret Keeper becomes a story of honesty and love, and really gains its gentle power.

The dust jacket says Kate Coombs' first book is for readers "4 to 8", but this is a fine book for older children, too, and parents and other adults--perhaps, especially, those in the helping professions.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly fabulous, May 26, 2006

By 

Marsha Skrypuch (Brantford, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Secret Keeper (Hardcover)

I had the honor to read a review copy of The Secret Keeper and it is one of my all-time favorite books. I predict that you will be hearing a lot more about Kate Coombs and her books.

The Secret Keeper reads like a fast-paced traditional folk tale. I loved the wry humor and the subtle lessons.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Keeper, May 28, 2006

By 

Holly Ormond (Salt Lake City, UT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Keeper (Hardcover)

I absolutely loved this beautifully written folktale. Wouldn't we all love to have a "secret keeper" we can tell all our secrets to? Ms. Coombs' storytelling captures the attention of all who read. A must buy!!