Keeping a secret can be a difficult task for any one person at any age. This picture book encounters to adventures of a mouse named Blabber, who has a habit of spoiling secrets to anyone and everyone in his class including the teachers. The phrase, killing someone with kindness, is exactly what Blabber's friends do in order to keep him from spilling any more secrets. When a person realizes how spoiling a secret can have an affect on someone, they may understand to keep the secrets to themselves. Many people entrusted Blabber until the last straw was drawn. I would read this book to a group of first graders, because understanding the concept of secrets may be difficult for a younger age. ( )

I had mixed feelings about the book “Blabber Mouse” by True Kelley. At first I did not like the fact that the book pinpointed one student that tended to talk too much. For example, if there was one student who resembled the main character in the class reading this book it could cause problems between students. After reading through the whole book I understood the story line better and realized that the book could relate to all students in some way. It gave them good techniques to use when they want to tell something, instead they can write it down in a diary like blabber did in the story. I enjoyed the last part of the book when blabber thanked his friends for giving him the diary to write down all the things he wanted to blabber. “Thank you so much, everyone. I’m lucky to have friends like you.” The big idea of the story revolves around friendship. ( )

Kirkus Review (July 15, 2001)

Jokes, poetry, secrets, rumors-Blabber Mouse just can't stop talking. The little guy has a hard time keeping his mouth shut about anything, and hurts his friends and family by telling their secrets and spreading rumors about them. Blabber's friends decide to help him by throwing him a surprise party. When Blabber arrives, he can't believe his eyes and is even more surprised to find that no one said anything at all. As he tears off the wrapping of his present, Blabber realizes that it is a little book with a key and a lock. He now has a place to write down all his secrets instead of blabbing them to everyone. The cartoon-like watercolor illustrations simply portraying mice wearing sunglasses, attending movies, sitting at their desks in school, and dancing might draw some giggles from young readers, but they aren't enough to overcome some major issues with the story. The message is clear: talking too much can be harmful, but the answer to Blabber Mouse's problem seems too simplistic. And why "are "they giving him a party, anyway? While the intent is good, this lesson misses its mark. "(Picture book. 2-5)" ( )