What are periods? And why is it such a big secret? 11-year-old Aditya really wants to know. Ever since Rhea didi began getting brown paper packages, there’s been something that no one is telling him. …

Told with a lot of humour and heart, this conversation starter, “What’s the Big Secret” (Puffin), a full-colour illustrated book on periods, helps everyone, especially boys, understand the bodily process and quell their curiosity.

It’s a much-needed book that aims to expel the stigma attached to the concept and help parents engage in difficult conversations about growing up with their children.

by Sonali Shenoy