This is a story with many layers waiting to be discovered. On the surface, it's about a lonely boy who likes to spend time with his squirrel friends. The townspeople think him strange, but he is better understood by the priest. The squirrels and the boy have interesting adventures and the tale is engaging in itself. It's not hard to see, however, that there's more to the story than this - but what exactly is "the Secret"? An Indian with a beautiful old rosary and a very sad tale adds to the mystery. The reader begins to uncover the first layer of the story and sees some real insights into life - how we view the world and others in it and how our judgment can be clouded by our faults. And still there's more. Fortunately Alfred Noyes gives us a series of study questions which enable us to really study the story and begin to uncover the mysterious secret. The questions aren't easy and will probably be answered most effectively as a family. To be sure, there's a lot to be gained by parents in studying it alongside their children. Besides uncovering the important messages woven into this unique story, studying the story is a good exercise in reading literature in a meaningful way.
Recommended in Catholic Authors: 4-Sight Edition