Family and Footy: Read Our Review of Little Bont and the Big Secret by Marcus Bontempelli and Fiona Harris, illustrated by Megan Higgins

Marcus absolutely positively LOVES footy. But there’s something he loves even more than footy… his Nanna Nancy!

Nanna is always there for Marcus. So when Marcus accidentally kicks his football into Nanna Nancy’s favourite garden gnome, he panics! Owning up to his mistake might land him in trouble. But lying to his Nanna doesn’t feel so good, either…

From Western Bulldogs’ captain and four-time club Best & Fairest winner Marcus Bontempelli comes a heartwarming story about honesty, family, and, of course, a little bit of footy for readers aged 3+.

Bontempelli was match-day captain for the Western Bulldogs when he became the youngest player in AFL history to captain a VFL/AFL side to victory. Now the captain of the Western Bulldogs, he has a host of awards and accolades under his belt from his professional career so far.

Little Bont and the Big Secret is Bontempelli’s debut picture book, co-written with Fiona Harris, and illustrated by Megan Higgins. It’s a celebration of Marcus’ beloved late Nanna Nancy, who was always his biggest fan.

This picture book is sentimental, sweet, and will pull at your heartstrings – something that is evident from the get-go with a sweet dedication from Marcus to Nanna Nancy. This dedication sits against a backdrop of illustrated vegemite, sponge cakes, tea and a football. As the book demonstrates, each of these items are meaningful to Marcus. Seeing these items that are important to Marcus immediately made me envisage the items that are important to me and my loved ones. This is the kind of book that makes you appreciate the little things: places, smells, tastes, and memories.

Beyond the personal sentiment of Little Bont and the Big Secret, there’s an important lesson about telling the truth and owning up to your mistakes. Through Marcus, we can see how lying can consume you and stop you from achieving your full potential – to the extent that Marcus couldn’t perform at his football game. Ultimately, telling the truth is more important. When you take accountability for your actions, you’ll reap the benefits and your loved ones will always be by your side no matter what.

Buy a copy of Little Bont and the Big Secret here.