Some books arrive as more than a story — they arrive as a trusted tool for parents, teachers, and children. The Secret That Didn’t Feel Good by Kayla Vany is one of those books.
Tender, clear, and brave, it uses Milo and their beloved stuffed moose, Flops, to show children how to tell the difference between a fun surprise and an unsafe secret — and to give them the words and confidence to speak up.
Quick Look
Book title: The Secret That Didn’t Feel Good
Author: Kayla Vany
Illustrator: Natalie Adams
Genre: Children’s picture book | Empowerment
Publication date: September 8, 2025
Amazon: Buy Here
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (early readers)
Milo and their stuffed moose, Flops, share everything — until Milo is asked to keep a secret that doesn’t feel good. With Flops’ steady support, Milo learns to notice the “little warning signals” in their body, to tell the difference between light, happy surprises and heavy, unsafe secrets, and to find the courage to tell a trusted adult. Gentle and practical, the book teaches children that they are the boss of their bodies and that it’s always okay to ask for help.
How to use this book (for parents, teachers, caregivers)
- Read it aloud and pause to ask how Milo might be feeling — encourage children to name feelings.
- Practice the “Secret Safety List” together:
- Does it make me feel good inside?
- Is it about something fun or kind?
- Can I tell a grown-up I trust about it?
- Role-play using the language from the story so kids can rehearse telling a safe adult.
- Keep the book accessible in classrooms or on bedside tables as a conversation starter — it’s meant to be revisited, not just read once.
Reader Praise (Selected)
“Every home & classroom library should have this book!” — Codie (Amazon review)
“A book every child should have… it teaches the difference between a rock and a balloon.” — Stacey (Amazon review)
“Such an important book!! Should be in every house/classroom!” — Jenita (Amazon review)
Q&A with Kayla Vany
Q: What is your book about and what inspired you to write this book?
A: I teach prevention education, and working in this field has been both motivating and inspiring in the creation of this book. Over the years, I’ve heard far too many disclosures of sexual assault from children.
That’s why teaching kids to trust the little warning signals in their bodies, and to know without a doubt that they are the bosses of their own bodies, is more important than ever (especially as the statistics continue to rise). I’ve wanted to write a children’s book for as long as I can remember and working in this field was the lightbulb moment I needed!
Q: When did you start writing, and what made you decide to publish this book?
A: I spent over a year bringing this book to life, carefully shaping every character and every word on the page. Through my work in prevention education, I’ve seen firsthand the need for tools that help children protect themselves. More importantly, I know the strength that comes from empowerment; teaching kids to trust their instincts, speak up when something feels wrong, and recognize the safe, trusted adults in their lives.
Q: Which character was the most fun—or most challenging—to write, and why?
A: Flops, the stuffed moose, was inspired by the very moose my brother gave me as a kid 💛 He’s been with me through so much, and now he gets to help other kids feel safe and seen too!
Q: What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your book?
1. Body Safety & Empowerment: Children are the “boss” of their own bodies and deserve to feel safe.
2. Good vs. bad secrets: Not all secrets are safe; fun surprises are different from secrets that feel heavy or scary.
3. Trusting feelings: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to listen to that inner voice.
4. Safe adults & support: Kids always have the right to tell a trusted adult if something feels uncomfortable.
5. Bravery & courage: Speaking up about a “bad secret” takes courage, and doing so is an act of strength.
Key messages I hope kids take away:
1. No secret should make you feel scared, unsafe, or alone.
2. You are the boss of your body.
3. It’s always okay to tell a safe adult, even if someone told you not to.
4. Your feelings matter, and your voice deserves to be heard.
Q: Were there any real-life experiences that influenced your story or characters?
A: In the classroom I’ve talked through scenarios like the one in my book more times than I can count. A common theme always stands out: so many kids don’t realize they’re allowed to say no to an adult who makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or that they can and should tell a safe adult when those situations happen.
Q: What question do you wish readers would ask you about the book?
A: I wish readers would ask how they can use this book as a tool to keep kids safe. Because for me, it’s more than just a story, it’s about starting real conversations, giving kids the language to speak up, and helping them recognize who their safe adults are.
My hope is that parents, teachers, and caregivers see it not just as a book to read once, but as a way to keep body safety and empowerment an ongoing part of a child’s life.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or moment from the book you’d like to share?
A: The Secret Safety List 😊 It gives kids three simple, easy-to-remember questions they can ask themselves whenever they’re unsure about a secret. It helps them decide if it’s a rock secret (the kind that feels heavy or bad) or a balloon secret (the kind that feels light, happy, or exciting).
The Secret Safety List:
1. Does it make me feel good inside?
2. Is it about something fun or kind?
3. Can I tell a grown up I trust about it?
If the answer is no to any of these, then it’s not a safe secret to keep.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in writing or publishing it?
A: The hardest part was definitely the emotional side. Knowing that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexualized violence before the age of 18 is staggering. In my work, I hear disclosures far too often, and I also know those numbers only reflect the cases that are reported, which makes the reality even heavier.
Q: What’s next for you as a writer?
A: Milo & Flops sequel would be amazing wouldn’t it?! To have a whole line of varying stories that protect and empower kids? Amazing. Definitely the goal!
About the author
Kayla Vany is a prevention educator and advocate who has spent years teaching kids about body safety, boundaries, and consent. Inspired by the many stories she’s heard in classrooms, she wrote her first children’s book to empower kids with the tools to use their voices and stay safe.
Why you should read it
- Practical empowerment: simple, direct language children can use.
- Expert-informed: written by a prevention educator with classroom experience.
- Gentle but honest: addresses a difficult topic in a way young children can understand.
- Resource-ready: perfect for family reading, school lessons, counselors, and libraries.
Connect & buy
- Instagram: @miloandflops
- TikTok: @misskaylakaye
- Facebook: The Secret That Didn’t Feel Good
- Buy on Amazon
We love to read and explore a wide range of genres, including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you’d like us to review your book, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to hear from you!