Be Honest & Tell the Truth
By: Cheri J. Meiners
Illustrated By: Meredith Johnson
Publication: August 25, 2007 by Free Spirit Publishing
40 pages
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Manners
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)
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Description--It's never too soon to learn the difference between what's true and what isn't. Words and pictures help young children discover that being honest in words and actions builds trust and self-confidence. They also learn that telling the truth sometimes takes courage and tact. Includes discussion questions, skits, scenarios, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught.
I have one child who particularly struggles with telling the truth. As usual, Be Honest and Tell the Truth begins with why being honest is a benefit for the child. The child can feel good about his or her choices and behavior. Treating others the way that we each want to be treated. I love that being honest is discussed as a decision to be made ahead of time. We can decide to always be honest. Thinking about how others will feel about the words we plan to use, yet still choosing to find kind words that are true. It can be respectful to keep some words and thoughts to yourself. But you can talk to a trusted adult whenever you're unsure what to do. Letting others know when we're joking is important, and also, stopping the jokes when not everyone is having fun is a good idea. Telling the truth sometimes takes courage, but we can do that. Don't blame others. Doing one's own work. And being honest even when no one sees is important. Keeping our promises is something we can do when we do what we say we will. When we keep our word, people can depend on us. We can show respect to others by not touching their things without permission. And if we find something that doesn't belong to us, we can try to find the owner. Being honest is worth more than having an item that doesn't belong to us. And the book ends with repeating the benefits of being honest to the child, when we treat others fairly, they can believe and trust us. And beyond that, we can feel good about ourselves.
Like the others in this series that I've reviewed, Be Honest and Tell the Truth is packed full of great information to help a child see the benefits of being honest and telling the truth. There are extra instructions for the parents at the end. These types of books spark communication with your kids on what you both expect from common situations. I like how things are worded "I can..." because it's subconsciously planted in the child that they are capable of these ideas without being confrontational.
Be Honest and Tell the Truth is a great book that all parents can add to their collections of books on manners. (Surely all parents have multiple books about manners for young children, right?) It presents information in a way that helps the child feel empowered to know that they are capable of being honest in situations. I'm giving it 4.5 Stars. Have you or your child read Be Honest and Tell the Truth? What did you think? Let me know!
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