Secrets that Sparkle (and Secrets that Sting): A Rhyming Picture Book for Ages 5+

Secrets That Sparkle (and Secrets That Sting) is a rhyming, read-aloud picture book that gently empowers young children to tell the difference between "fun secrets" (like surprise parties and hidden cupcakes) and unsafe ones that make them feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable. With playful language, clear contrasts, and emotionally safe storytelling, this book teaches children how to recognize secrets that should never be kept-and how to speak up with courage. Written with 5-year-olds in mind, this book supports conversations around body autonomy, unsafe touch, and emotional trust. Ideal for parents, educators, therapists, and school counselors, it has a fully lyrical narrative and emotionally uplifting tone.

Joy Stephenson-Laws is the founder of Proactive Health Labs, a national health education nonprofit, and a healthcare attorney of forty years. Trained through the Foundation for Holistic Life Coaching, Joy combines scientific insight, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered support to empower families to nurture resilient, confident, and emotionally balanced children. Joy's passion is rooted in preventing needless suffering by promoting education, proactive health choices, and early intervention. Her holistic coaching guides children and families toward clarity, confidence, and empowered decision-making, ensuring they feel supported in every aspect of their well-being. She is the author of Minerals - The Forgotten Nutrient: Your Secret Weapon for Getting and Staying Healthy and regularly contributes to media outlets. Joy is currently developing poetry aimed at inspiring emotional health and personal growth for readers of all ages.