A Children’s Picture Book
Learning Courage. Recognizing Safe & Unsafe Secrets.
Secrets That Sparkle (and Secrets That Sting) by
Joy Stephenson-Laws
Secrets That Sparkle (and Secrets That Sting) is a rhyming, read-aloud picture book that gently empowers young children to tell the difference between "fun secrets" (like surprise parties and hidden cupcakes) and unsafe ones that make them feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable. With playful language, clear contrasts, and emotionally safe storytelling, this book teaches children how to recognize secrets that should never be kept-and how to speak up with courage.
Written with 5-year-olds in mind, this book supports conversations around body autonomy, unsafe touch, and emotional trust. Ideal for parents, educators, therapists, and school counselors, it has a fully lyrical narrative and emotionally uplifting tone.
What People Are Saying…
With perfect balance of delicacy, protectiveness, and encouragement, the author not only helps the readers understand the types of secrets, she wisely teaches our kids how to trust their instincts. This is the validation children need to not carry the burden of inappropriate secrets while knowing it’s healthy to participate in certain secrets. This book makes it easy for a child to discern between types of secrets as well as informs parents, educators, and anyone else who love children how to approach the topic.
— Asher I. Johnson, PhD, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
“As a school counselor, I’m always looking for resources that empower children without frightening them. Secrets That Sparkle (and Secrets That Sting) strikes that balance beautifully. It helps kids feel safe, confident, and ready to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.”
— Michael R., Elementary School Counselor
About the Author
Joy Stephenson-Laws, Esq., is a dynamic and deeply committed holistic health coach whose life's work centers around empowering individuals—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As the founder and president of Proactive Health Labs (pH Labs) and the managing partner of Stephenson, Acquisto & Colman, one of the nation’s leading healthcare litigation firms, Joy brings over 40 years of expertise in healthcare advocacy, wellness education, and legal leadership.
With a foundational commitment to physical health, Joy has expanded her vision to embrace the vibrant synergy of mind, body, and spirit, understanding that true well-being encompasses the whole person. Trained through the Foundation for Holistic Life Coaching, Joy combines scientific insight, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered support to empower families to nurture resilient, confident, and emotionally balanced children.
Joy's passion is rooted in preventing needless suffering by promoting education, proactive health choices, and early intervention. Her holistic coaching guides children and families toward clarity, confidence, and empowered decision-making, ensuring they feel supported in every aspect of their well-being.
She is the author of Minerals – The Forgotten Nutrient: Your Secret Weapon for Getting and Staying Healthy and regularly contributes to media outlets. Joy is currently developing poetry aimed at inspiring emotional health and personal growth for readers of all ages.
To learn more about Joy and her holistic approach to health, visit https://phlabs.org/coaches-counselors/joy-stephenson-laws
