My Big Secret

Written and illustrated by Felice Arena

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Felice has often been reviewed in StoryLinks. His many books are always rewarding and fun to read. Titles include the iconic Specky Magee series, the Sporty Kids series, the historical adventure novels and CBCA notable books – The Boy and the Spy, Fearless Frederic, A Great Escape, and The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan – and the hilarious read-aloud picture books Pasta! and Cheese! 

In My Big Secret Felice tackles the situation where you are the only one who has a different, even opposing view to the majority.

Everyone, the whole immediate family, from Grandma to the twin cousins are passionate fans of the Red team. Our hero, while sporting a red scarf is secretly a supporters of the Blues. He wishes he could wear blue on Colours Day and really really wanted to get Blues player, Porky McTrotter’s autograph when he is spotted in the supermarket. Alone in bed late at night he looks at his Blue team fan cards in company with the Blue team mascot. He wants to tell his family but fears they wouldn’t understand…They do find out at a most inopportune moment and their reaction is a heartwarming conclusion to the big reveal.

This is a carefully structured story full of suspense and big emotions, echoed and expanded in the humourous illustrations. I don’t think Felice will win many awards for his art but it is very effective here – big, bold and expressive and mostly very RED.  His deceptively simple text presents the situation clearly and succinctly.

This plea for tolerance, understanding and acceptance could not be more timely. Children will be able to learn and grasp the wider implications with some adult guidance or just enjoy the funny story for its own sake. It can be the springboard for many a discussion in the family and classroom and deserves a place on both home and library shelves.

Penguin 2025

Felice Arena

StoryLinks interview with Felice Arena