The Secret Keeper - Hardcover

Coombs, Kate

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689839634 ISBN 13: 9780689839634

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Kate Coombs is the author of several books for children including The Secret Keeper. She has taught every grade from kindergarten through college, most recently working with homebound inner-city children. She lives in Bountiful, Utah, where she shares her home with hundreds of much-loved books. You can visit her online at KateCoombs.com.

Heather M. Solomon was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start for Clever Beatrice, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She is also the illustrator of Clever Beatrice and the Best Little Pony by Margaret Willey and If I Were a Lion by Sarah Weeks. She lives in New Mexico with her husband, daughter, and son, who especially love to share joyous secrets.

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
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About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0689839634
• ISBN 13: 9780689839634
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Solomon Heather M.