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.

Nancy Gee's journey into writing started not long after an unknown animal got into her sock drawer only to be discovered by the family cat. Her grandsons loved having her tell and retell that story and challenged her to write a book.

"When I published &lsquoThe Secret Drawer' I knew this was the start of a new chapter in my life". The Secret book series with each book based on a true event has proved to be an enormous success both in the U.S. as well as internationally.

For more than thirty years Nancy has owned and operated Maywood Industries a wood fabrication company that sells industrial lumber and related building materials. Her entrepreneurial skills and drive have served her well in her publishing endeavours as has her philanthropic work both with foundations as well as corporations. Nancy is a graduate of Drake University and lives in the Chicago area.

"The Secret Drawer based on a true story was written by Nancy Gee after a real flying squirrel found its way into her bedroom and into 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 find this story fascinating and informative. They'll also learn that kindness to animals is returned by them in many unexpected ways.

"Immediately upon opening the book you are drawn in by the whimsical artwork and rhythm of the rhyme. Al and Sal are creatures to instantly fall in love with and their escapade through out the book keeps you wanting more. I can see young children asking for flying squirrels as pets or asking to go out hiking in the woods to find them. This is a book that will remain at the bedside or table near your favorite reading chair for a very long time. This is a story you cannot read just once! Great for parents and grandparents read aloud to younger children and encouraging for older children to read on their own." -- Angela Addington Mom-Spot.com

 

"The Secret Drawer is a thoroughly entertaining picture book story that is based on a true life incident. A real flying squirrel found its way into Nancy Gee's bedroom and into her sock drawer. After which her cat Odis refused to budge from the front of the dresser for two long days. Children (and their parents) will find The Secret Drawer as inherently fascinating as it is surprisingly informative. The Secret Drawer reveals that kindness to animals is returned by them in many unexpected ways. Very highly recommended for family school and community library collections The Secret Drawer is all the more impressive considering that it is author Nancy Gee's debut as a children's picture book writer." -- Children's Bookwatch MidwestBookReview.com

 

"I had the pleasure of sharing this delightful story with my preschool class and it was an instant hit. The children fell in love with Al and Sal and waited anxiously for Maddie to discover the secret in her sock drawer! Flying squirrels just might become our new favorite animal and we hope that we'll get to share more adventures with Al and Sal! -- Casey Cannatello Preschool Teacher

This is a cute creative engaging and entertaining story. The rhyme scheme enhances it and makes it fun for young readers. A gem of a book for all ages! -- Kim Belmonte Primary Teacher

 

LETTERS TO THE AUTHOR FROM STUDENTS:

"Dear Ms. Gee The story was absolutely wonderful! Our teacher read it to us. The pictures went very well with the story or plot. The story was very cute and funny also. Sal was funny when she was yelling to Al to tell him to get out of the drawer! From Casey (8 years old)."

"Dear Mrs. Gee I just wanted to say you're a wonderful author and rhymer. I loved your book very much and I was filled with excitement. Sincerely Rena (8 years old)."

"Dear Mrs. Gee I loved your book. The Secret Drawer was awesome. My favorite part was when the cat was attacking the squirrel. Sincerely Tanya (8 years old)."

"Dear Ms. Gee I liked your story The Secret Drawer. It was cool that a flying squirrel got in your sock drawer."

"Dear Ms. Gee I loved your book. I love to rhyme. I want to read it all the time. Poor Al stuck in a drawer. Poor Sal couldn't see her friend anymore."

"Dear Mrs. Gee I enjoyed your book very much it was really funny and it had very very very good rhymes! I wish that I could have flying squirrel friends. Abigail (8 years old)."

"Dear Mrs. Gee I love your book. It is a hit. Michelle (8 years old)."