“Such a super quick, and very cute story about keeping a group of small children calm during a scary situation. Even though it is only around 30 pages long, I have already fallen in love with the author and his writing style, and I cannot wait to check out more of his stuff.”

— Jemma Hammond, author and reviewer from Great Britain

“Ever wonder what kids do during a school lockdown? How do teachers keep their classes quiet when they are in such an emergency situation? 

THE PASSWORD IS WISHPERS is a tale of imagination and playful fantasy set in the context of a lockdown. Mrs. Shea keeps her class of twelve students quiet and calm with a trip to the Isle of Wishpers. With their eyes closed, Mrs. Shea uses storytelling to guide them through their trip. Each child has an opportunity to whisper a wish (wishper) to add flair to the story.

The tale was beautifully written. I was in awe of Mrs. Shea’s ability to smoothly incorporate each child’s wish into her story and change the direction of the story without hesitation. I could see the eager faces of the children and imagine teachers inspired to tell similar tales to their own classes during lockdown drills or the real thing.”

— Liz Tipping, book reviewer from Joelton, Tennessee

“This is a very good story that shows the school classroom during a lockdown. I can’t exactly describe the quality that sticks with you other than to say that the story created a sense of peace in me. I can only hope that my children have a teacher like this in a similar situation. The teacher’s quiet confidence sticks with you after the story is finished. It does feel like it could use a few more illustrations. The ones that are included are well done and help bring the wishes the students make alive.”

— Richelle Zirkle, former school and government librarian in Houston, Pennsylvania

“As a retired elementary school teacher/administrator, we had to practice lockdown drills with our students. Because they were always drills, I do not think they were taken as seriously as they should have been. I liked that this story emphasized being quiet, taking it seriously. the story the teacher and students whispered was calming and kept them on task. The story was a bit long and probably could have used more illustrations. The illustrations that were there were large, vivid and colourful. This would be a great book to read before a lockdown drill or emergency so the activity could be used when the time arises. A nice addition to a primary classroom.”

— Carla Johnson-Hicks, retired teacher and primary school administrator in Windsor, Ontario, Canada

“I liked the colourful illustrations dotted throughout the book, allowing the reader to imagine what is happening a bit clearer. It’s a unique book. I’ve not come across anything similar before which is nice.”

— Rebecca Walsh, primary school educator in Great Britain

"Author Jack Chaucer sensitively addresses a solemn school exercise in his first children's book, The Password Is Wishpers. Along with fire drills and other safety measures, lockdown drills are standard in schools of today, and the author’s message soothes and distracts students in the fictional story about the sensitive topic. In the story, during an extended drill, the teacher and her students weave an exciting tale of adventure. Along the way, the children spell the word CHILDHOOD, as they discover and are reminded that their childhood is a gift to be cherished every day. Although silence is often required during a lockdown drill, if whispering is permitted, the book has a comforting message and is an exciting read. The book would be an excellent one to “whisper read” to students during lockdown drills in every school." 

-- Joanne M. Moore, MLS, school library media specialist at Litchfield Center School in Litchfield, Connecticut, USA

— Joanne M. Moore, MLS, school library media specialist at Litchfield Center School in Litchfield, Connecticut, USA

Author readings, signings and special appearances.