Tempest's Secret

Brave Kids Never Give Up

Children - Mystery
156 Pages
Reviewed on 11/14/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Ariane Chapelle is an award-winning author and teacher in risk management. One day, while finishing a professional textbook, her then-eight-year-old son asked her to write books for children instead. Thus began the adventures of Tempest and Wallace, inspired by the personalities of her children. Ariane is a Belgian and British citizen who writes in English and French.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Tempest's Secret: Brave Kids Never Give Up by Ariane Chapelle is a wonderful children's book about a brave girl and a kitten. Tempest is an eleven-year-old girl who tries to convince her mother to get a pet. She and her little brother would love a small friend to play with, especially a cat. Their mother says they will not have time to take care of it properly, yet Tempest believes she would be great at caring for one. One day, she and her brother find a kitten stuck in a tree in the park. They save it and decide to take it home. Now, they must find a way to keep the kitten a secret for a few days to prove to their parents that they can take good care of a pet without causing trouble, hoping they will let them keep it. Soon, Tempest will learn what a responsibility it is to have a pet. 

Tempest's Secret by Ariane Chapelle is an extraordinary tale that contains the perfect dose of excitement, adventure, mystery, suspense, heart, beautiful illustrations, and life lessons. It shows that brave kids never give up, that coming forward and asking for help is the best way to solve real problems, and that you are stronger if you can count on allies. This delightful detective story is for young pet lovers and those who feel they are better at making animal friends than humans. It is engaging, encouraging children not to let small failures discourage them and to have confidence in their abilities. This book is the perfect choice for anyone looking for mystery books for kids.

Carol Thompson

Tempest’s Secret by Ariane Chapelle is an imaginative and heartwarming tale about sibling adventure, determination, and the joys of unexpected friendships. The story revolves around Tempest and her younger brother, Wallace, as they navigate the challenges of growing up with busy parents, all while dreaming of having a pet to love and care for. The relationship between Tempest and Wallace is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the typical sibling dynamic of frustration and affection. Tempest’s strong-willed nature contrasts with Wallace’s cheerful, trusting personality, creating a lively narrative that drives the story forward. Their shared desire for a pet, particularly Tempest’s yearning for a cat, provides the foundation for their many escapades.

Ariane Chapelle skillfully brings to life the children’s world through rich descriptions and playful dialogue, immersing readers in their adventures. The sibling bond is tested and strengthened as they secretly rescue and care for a kitten, Pompon, who becomes a significant part of their lives while dealing with the obstacles of hiding him from their parents. With themes of resilience and kindness woven into the story’s fabric, Tempest’s Secret is a celebration of family, perseverance, and the belief that “brave kids never give up.” Chapelle’s debut novel is both entertaining and touching, capturing the innocence and determination of childhood. Readers of all ages will cheer for Tempest, Wallace, and their adorable new companion. It’s an excellent book for children who enjoy a mystery. Tempest’s Secret is perfect for early readers, and it’s a wonderful read-aloud story for classroom storytime.

Doreen Chombu

Tempest’s Secret: Brave Kids Never Give Up is a children's book written by Ariane Chapelle with illustrations by Macha Yao. The story follows Tempest, a determined girl who longs to have a pet that she and her brother, Wallace, can care for and play with. However, their parents believe they are not responsible enough for such a duty. One day, while visiting the local park, Tempest and Wallace rescue a cat from a tree and decide to secretly keep him as their pet, naming him Pompon. They provide everything he needs to feel comfortable. But one day, Tempest discovers that Pompon is missing, leading to a wild search filled with adventure, danger, and misunderstandings.

Tempest’s Secret is a fun story with profound lessons about teamwork, responsibility, and prejudice. The characters are adorable and relatable. Tempest is a typical eleven-year-old girl with a loving heart and determined spirit, while Wallace provides support and is a source of great sibling humor. Ariane Chapelle presents an engaging and memorable narrative. Her use of dramatic twists, like the narration from Pompon’s perspective and the sudden appearance of Grandma’s enthusiastic neighbor, makes the story unpredictable and enjoyable to read. Young readers will learn lessons about truthfulness, bravery, not judging people by their appearance, and never giving up. Finally, the illustrations perfectly complement the story and bring the scenes and characters to life. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children, not only for its adventures but also for its vital lessons.

Emily-Jane Hills Orford

Tempest and her younger brother, Wallace, really want a kitten. Unfortunately, Mom is opposed to the idea. In Ariane Chapelle’s Tempest’s Secret, the siblings find a reason to be persistent in their requests. It involves a bit of a mystery, too. But, in the meantime, they manage to get themselves into some trouble at home and Mom has to remind them, “What are the two most important rules in the family?” To which they answer in unison, “Never lie and always speak with respect.” Profound rules to live by, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find another way to accomplish your goals and never give up. In a local park, the kids hear a frantic “meow” of a kitten in distress. Following the sound, they’re also following their hearts’ desires and the story progresses from there. Will Mom come around? First, they have to face some rather scary and dangerous situations and people, but through it all, they can only hope that Mom learns to accept the inevitable furry addition to the family.

Ariane Chapelle’s early chapter book, Tempest’s Secret: Brave Kids Never Give Up, is a fun read for younger audiences. The plot follows two siblings as they find, rescue, and hope that Mom accepts a kitten from the park. Life until their discovery was considered, in Tempest’s own words, “boring.” It’s not anymore. The language is simple to help young readers improve their reading skills and the dialogue is effective and realistic, helping to develop the characters. Descriptive narrative is used with care and the line drawings add another dimension to the story. A great read.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Tempest's Secret is a debut children's book by Ariane Chapelle. Eleven-year-old Tempest and her younger brother, Wallace, want a pet, but their parents worry it wouldn't get enough attention or could be run over on London's busy streets. At the park, the siblings rescue a kitten from a tree. It doesn't seem to have an owner, so they take it home, hiding the kitten, Pompon, from their parents. After a blissful night with her new kitten secretly tucked away in her room, Tempest comes home from school and realizes Pompon is missing. She quickly adopts a detective's mentality, locating suspects and leaving no clue undiscovered. The information may simply lead to Pompon's discovery, or the investigation could take an interesting turn.

Ariane Chapelle wrote her characters based on her two youngest children, so the brave siblings in her book will capture readers' hearts. Almost all of the story is written in the first-person narrative, so readers will feel like they are experiencing the events as these unfold. Children will read Pompon's version of the circumstances in one chapter, and Chapelle finishes the book by telling her audience what happened over the next year. With cute, eye-catching illustrations, children will adore the sweet kitten and hope Tempest and Wallace will get to keep their pet. The author has a way of glossing over old hurts and moving forward positively as the characters learn valuable lessons about honesty and not judging others. Readers who enjoy stories with animals and tenacious children will love Tempest's Secret.