The Secret Hiding Place

Reach for this book when your child is starting to crave independence but still feels a bit overwhelmed by the big world around them. It is perfect for the little one who wants to play on their own while keeping a watchful eye on where you are. This gentle classic follows Little Hippo, who is tired of being the center of everyone's attention and simply wants a place where he can be alone, but not too alone. Rainey Bennett captures the delicate balance between the need for privacy and the need for security. It normalizes the desire for personal space without making it feel like a rejection of the family unit. For children ages 3 to 7, this story provides a comforting roadmap for navigating their growing autonomy while celebrating the safety of belonging to a group that loves them.