Catie's Secret by Laura Allen Nonemaker - REVIEWED

About the book:

Catie Caterpillar looks different from any bug Herbie and Bella have ever seen. When Herbie makes fun of Catie, Mayor Benny shows him why he should not judge anyone by how they look. In the end, Catie reveals a secret and the bunnies learn the joy of forgiveness.

Catie's Secret is the second book in Laura Allen Nonemaker's children's series, God's Secret Garden Adventures. Like the previous book,Benny's Angel, Catie's Secret invites young readers to join an exciting adventure while it teaches a valuable lesson.

Purchase a copy HERE!

About the author: Laura began writing as a child in Bermuda when a favorite teacher had one of her essays published in a local newspaper. She is a contributing writer for Kentucky Monthly Magazine and her first children's book, Benny's Angel, was published in 2011. She is on the planning team for Artful Missions, which produces juried art shows and donates most of the proceeds to ministries that help women and children escape human trafficking. When Laura is not dreaming up her next God's Garden adventure, she enjoys spending time with her large family.

Connect with Laura at: http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com

My Thoughts:

The dictionary defines the word secret as:  “something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.”  And oddly enough, that word pretty much ruined this book for me.  I think perhaps mystery might have been a better choice for the concept that was presented.  I perceived that that author wants children to realize the potential that God has placed within us to add beauty and purpose to the world around us.  I realize the author was also addressing the fact that children shouldn’t tease others because of things that they might not understand….and that concept was well presented.  The concept of forgiveness was also well presented.

The character of Mayor Benny was a little awkward to me too.  Was he supposed to represent the Holy Spirit or the conviction that follows a wrong act?  Wasn’t sure about his role and how he magically heard such a brief encounter.  Maybe it’s a really small garden.  I don’t know.

I guess I shouldn’t be so hung up on the word “secret”, but its negative connotation and definition is inconsistent with the message of the book.