THE BIG SECRET. Mackay, Jed. Art by Heather Collins. Toronto, Annick Press, c1984. unpaged, paper, ISBN 0-920236-88-X (paperbound boards) $12.95, 0-920236-89-8 (paper) $4.95. (Polka Dot Door Books) CIP Pre-School-Grade 3 Reviewed by Elizabeth Lockett Volume 13 Number 2 1985 March Mario has been adopted, and he's six years old. He likes his new family a lot, but his family and friends have a secret, and he feels excluded. This first person story, told by Mario, is about the week before the marvellous surprise party to celebrate Mario's first anniversary with his adoptive family. The text and illustrations show Mario at home and school, playing in the park, and at the library. The brightly coloured illustrations depict Mario and his friends in a contemporary urban setting. This is a slight story, but it is a pleasant one and would be useful in school and public libraries, especially as a starting point for discussions on adoption or "surprises." Elizabeth Lockett, Niagara Falls, Ont.