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The Secret Drawer
What's the secret hiding in Maddie's sock drawer, and why is Kitty so desperate to find out? Meet Al & Sal, two curious flying squirrels who find more adventure than they expect when they Al ventures inside an open window. The Secret Drawer was inspired when a real life flying squirrel found his way into author, Nancy Gee's bedroom and hid in her sock drawer. The adventure began when her cat Odis refused to budge from the front of the dresser for two long days! Readers of all ages will enjoy this charming real life story and also learn that kindness to animals is returned to them in many unexpected ways.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2014
7 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Gee
5 books1 followerMy journey to becoming an award-winning author started with a flying squirrel who found its way into my sock drawer and challenge from my grandchildren:
"You can do anything you want to do." Meaning: share that true story in a book!
In addition to being a writer, I own and operate Maywood Industries;, teach a writing class for prospective children's authors; and speak at various community events.
My favorite activity is sitting on the floor with children as we read books together. I am always learning from my audience!
I was born, raised, and still live in Orland Park, IL. I graduated from Drake University with a degree in education, with a business minor.
"You can do anything you want to do." Meaning: share that true story in a book!
In addition to being a writer, I own and operate Maywood Industries;, teach a writing class for prospective children's authors; and speak at various community events.
My favorite activity is sitting on the floor with children as we read books together. I am always learning from my audience!
I was born, raised, and still live in Orland Park, IL. I graduated from Drake University with a degree in education, with a business minor.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 28, 2016
I have the pleasure of knowing the author of this book, she is a great lady and her story is well crafted that both young and old alike will enjoy it.
You may not know this, but the book is based on actual event at the authors home. Alfter years of telling her grandchildren the story they inspired her to publish it and now we have the opportunity to read the finished work.
Winner of several awards and now published internationally.
Way to go Nancy, looking forward to the next one.
You may not know this, but the book is based on actual event at the authors home. Alfter years of telling her grandchildren the story they inspired her to publish it and now we have the opportunity to read the finished work.
Winner of several awards and now published internationally.
Way to go Nancy, looking forward to the next one.
August 9, 2025
This is the first book in the Secret series, about two flying squirrels. I'm taking a hard pass on the rest of the series. This one was painful enough.
Children's book authors -- you're not Dr. Suess, so STOP IT WITH THE SHITTY POETRY, ALREADY. This book was all dialogue, and reading all dialogue as a rhymed poem is not fun.
This did contain some information on flying squirrels, and had a nice cat main character, but other than that, it's really nothing special. There's not a lot of children's books on flying squirrels.
The illustrator seemed to be on drugs. Although the cat looked like a cat, the people looked like people, those flying squirrels looked like someone stuck a pair of bulging eyes on a pile of vomit.
Children's book authors -- you're not Dr. Suess, so STOP IT WITH THE SHITTY POETRY, ALREADY. This book was all dialogue, and reading all dialogue as a rhymed poem is not fun.
This did contain some information on flying squirrels, and had a nice cat main character, but other than that, it's really nothing special. There's not a lot of children's books on flying squirrels.
The illustrator seemed to be on drugs. Although the cat looked like a cat, the people looked like people, those flying squirrels looked like someone stuck a pair of bulging eyes on a pile of vomit.
April 13, 2017
This children’s picture book is based on a true event in the author’s life. A flying squirrel was trapped inside a dresser drawer while the family’s cat stalked it. The story unfolds in such a way that we feel the poor little squirrel is doomed. It is a relief to the reader when the woman intercedes on the wild animal’s behalf preventing the cat from killing it. At the end of the book, the author shares some facts about flying squirrels.
The illustrations in this book are hilarious. I’m not sure if it is intentional, but it is almost as though everyone is made out of mohair. They all have bug eyes; they all look like they’re tripping out. The pictures are made with ink outlines and filled in with watercolor. The text and picture share a page and the illustrator varies the point of view and placement throughout the book. The woman in the story wears a puppy pink dress with the zebra apron and huge fluffy pink slippers. The pages are glossy and bright. It is a beautifully packaged product.
The story is told in rhyme which I feel was an unfortunate choice. Writing in rhyme requires great skill. The rhythm not only has to keep the same syllabication per line, but the rhyming pattern needs to hold throughout or have a logical, compelling reason to change. Even if this had been mastered, the story doesn’t suit rhyming. I think it could’ve been an incredible book if the author had written in prose. She could have invoked the atmosphere, the emotional suspense, and the beauty of nature. It still could have been humorous but it would have been smoother and more compelling.
A copy of this book was generously donated by the author to my Little Free Library.
The illustrations in this book are hilarious. I’m not sure if it is intentional, but it is almost as though everyone is made out of mohair. They all have bug eyes; they all look like they’re tripping out. The pictures are made with ink outlines and filled in with watercolor. The text and picture share a page and the illustrator varies the point of view and placement throughout the book. The woman in the story wears a puppy pink dress with the zebra apron and huge fluffy pink slippers. The pages are glossy and bright. It is a beautifully packaged product.
The story is told in rhyme which I feel was an unfortunate choice. Writing in rhyme requires great skill. The rhythm not only has to keep the same syllabication per line, but the rhyming pattern needs to hold throughout or have a logical, compelling reason to change. Even if this had been mastered, the story doesn’t suit rhyming. I think it could’ve been an incredible book if the author had written in prose. She could have invoked the atmosphere, the emotional suspense, and the beauty of nature. It still could have been humorous but it would have been smoother and more compelling.
A copy of this book was generously donated by the author to my Little Free Library.
March 1, 2020
very interesting book and it helps kids to enjoy the nature
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September 20, 2018The story not what I expected - and that's okay. It is very cute and I liked it. The illustrations are unique, with bright colors and comic-style flair. The story is well presented, allowing readers to listen and look at the pictures without feeling left behind (listener) or rushed (reader).
Pros: Bright illustrations engage young listeners as you read this fun story.
There's more to our review. Visit the the Reading Tub to see why we recommend this book. You can add your review, too.
Pros: Bright illustrations engage young listeners as you read this fun story.
There's more to our review. Visit the the Reading Tub to see why we recommend this book. You can add your review, too.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews