Can I Tell You a Secret, written by Anna Kang, reviewed by Todd Erickson

Summary: Never burden a good friend with a secret is great advice from Marlene Dietrich, unless you are a young child or frog, as is the narrator of this story. Monty has a secret, which he almost immediately confesses to his audience. Small children will feel important being entrusted with Monty's shameful secret of not being able to swim. He's not quite ready to tell his parents, but with the reader's support and encouragement he might just be able to confess his problem - which ultimately is not a very big secret, as it is a big deal for him.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This simple tale is entertaining, engaging and effective for illustrating to children the importance of not keeping secrets. Monty is ashamed he can't swim, but his parents already know this and are just waiting for him to ask for help. Young kids will delight in being treated as Monty's confidant. The book lends itself to a discussion of secrets and the appropriateness of spilling the beans over keeping tight lipped. A great read aloud told in first person, young children will definitely want to reread multiple times.