Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite

In a delightful entry into the children's book market, debut author Traci Dunham has offered The Oyster's Secret. A lovely tale that reminds children not to judge based on how someone or something looks on the outside, the story follows a little oyster. He's not fancy, he can't do tricks while swimming about, but he is doing something very special as he sits quietly on his oyster bed. As several sea creatures, including an angelfish, jellyfish, dolphin, hammerhead shark, crab and blowfish, swim by to question exactly what he is doing, the oyster reassures them, "Don't worry about me, I'm making something beautiful you'll see."

The Oyster's Secret is a beautifully illustrated work that imparts a sweet and important message for children: that you should not 'judge a book by its cover.' As all of the oyster's fancier friends show what they can do and talk to him about how they are more beautiful than him or can do many more things than him, we find that what oyster is doing on the inside of his shell is more spectacular and amazing than his friends could imagine. The story is written in a lovely rhyming verse that lends itself to a very enjoyable read. Author Traci Dunham has done a great job at presenting a beautiful looking book with a beautiful story as well. The Oyster's Secret will appeal to children from preschool through third grade as well as their caregivers. It's my pleasure to recommend this sweet book, and I certainly hope that Traci Dunham is hard at work on her next book.