WordCount Review | Milton’s Secret

Book-review: “Milton’s Secret” by Robert Friedman, Eckhart Tolle

Dear readers,

Welcome back to WordCount!

If Hobbes-the-Tiger helped Calvin discover clever adventures, Snuggles-the-Cat tugs at Milton in a confusing maze amid the ‘Then’, the ‘When’ and the ‘Now’. Illustrated and written for children (ages 4 through 10), Milton’s Secret is entertaining, concise and designed for post-reading discussions with little readers.

Milton is in search of an answer to his BIG problem — nightmares in bed and bullies at school — he fears each day even before it has a chance to begin. His grandfather, the ice-cream lady and Snuggles are his guides to the wonderful place called ‘Now’. This is where the ‘When?’ from the future and the ‘Then’ from the past disappear. As he dwells on this mysterious ‘Now’, he notices that his fears begin to ebb, his strength begins to grow and his BIG problem shuffles away.

Children with chronic phobias and fears, hyperactivity, attention deficit and social anxiety have responded well to ideas from Milton’s Secret. They love the idea of a wonder-filled ‘Now’, which dispels the puzzling ‘Then’ and the even-more-puzzling ‘When?’ — this model helps them discuss their worries (yes, children have them too) and nightmares. One can then understand the child better and structure his growth (or treatment) more effectively.

As I write this, I’m reminded of an oft-repeated question from families — “Does a child’s growth really need to be ‘structured’?” Milton’s magical ‘Now’ is a place worth visiting for an answer to that query! A problem well-understood is usually the simplest route to the solution. There are phases when the child can need help or facilitation — if these are addressed in an efficient and focused way, it helps him (or her) apply these skills in the future as well. The learning curve for the parent and the child can then sport stronger co-ordinates.

Do write to us for references on specific themes. We look forward to your emails and messages.

Keep well,

Dr.S

This review was part of the WordCount book review column (2013 to 2020) run by our clinic in Mumbai and later shred with patients in Pondichery, Bangalore, London, Paris, Poznan and Croatia. I’m re-sharing these for readers in 2024 for issues that remain as relevant, even though the children who responded well to these books are now adulting in their own and unbelievable ways.