The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups

Author/Illustrator: David Wisniewski

Adults continually tell kids to comb their hair every day, not to blow bubbles through a straw, and to always, ALWAYS eat their vegetables and drink their milk. When asked why, they give plausible answers, such as “to keep it neat”, “because it’s rude”, or “to help you grow strong and healthy.” But grown-ups don’t tell kids the REAL reasons behind all of these rules.
At great risk to his safety, David Wisniewski disguised himself and infiltrated several locations where the super-secret Grown-Up Files are kept. He escaped with files about carnivorous vegetables, nuclear cows, sumo cells, and the dangers of getting your face sucked into your glass. Despite the danger (there are those who did not want this information revealed), he has bravely published these shocking facts. Now, some of the best-kept secrets of grown-ups are revealed to those who can handle the truth.

Wisniewski used his distinctive cut-paper style to make the illustrations, and each section is prefaced by a description of the narrow escape he had in order to get the file. A half-shredded document stamped with “CLASSIFIED” and “SECURITY CLEARANCE A” gives the rule and the commonly accepted reason behind it, but the true reason has always been torn away. The reader must turn the page before the actual explanation is revealed.
The over-the-top humor will appeal to kids and adults alike. My favorite file is the one about why you should eat your vegetables: So that they don’t eat you! The illustration of the rampaging broccoli is enough to make you glad vegetables have since been subdued. You might even be inspired to eat a few pieces of broccoli, just to keep it in its place.