The Secret Plan

The Secret Plan

Written by: Julia Sarcome-Roach

Brief Summary: No one seems to enjoy being told when they should go to bed, and this includes Milo, Henry, Harriet, and Hildy. These four friends decided that they have been pushed around long enough! After attempting many unsuccessful methods to avoid bedtime, these four friends decided to come up with a fail-proof, super-secret plan on how they can get together and hang out instead of going to bed.

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I feel that all students can relate to the idea of disliking being told when bedtime was. The book is recommended to students in Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade, and I think this age range is appropriate. The language and plot in the story are simple. The illustrations are cartoonish and bright. On several pages the words and illustrations are played off one another (similarly to a graphic novel). This makes the story even more attractive and draws the reader's attention. The book isn't gender-biased and because of this both boys and girls may find this book attractive. A student who is interested in animals may also find this book enjoyable.

In conclusion, I thought this book was charming and unique. The animals within the story form a unique friendship over 'sneaking around'. I would be up for the idea of reading this book as a read a-loud and also recommend it to students as an individual read.