Posted by Most of us have lived by using the rule “honesty is the best policy.” But the book The Honest-to-Goodness Truth written by Patricia C. Mckissack tells a tale of circumstances where telling the “truth” may not be the best thing to do.
Young Libby has just learned not to tell lies and, ever since the day she did, she promised never to tell a lie again. For a while, all she does is tell the truth, not realizing that sometimes the truth can be hurtful. “Willie don’t got his geography homework!” she’d blurt out to her teacher. “Your garden looks like a jungle!” she said to her neighbor.
She doesn’t understand why everyone is mad at her for telling the truth, but soon she learns that there is a way to sweeten the truth with love. For instance, instead of blurting to everyone that her friend has a hole in her sock, she understands now that she could whisper it privately, or not say anything at all.
I loved this book because it explains a problem a lot of kids have in an easy-to-read way. Of course, kids know it is wrong to tell lies, but this book shows why it’s easy to tell the “honest-to-goodness truth,” too. Also, the illustrations by Giselle Potter were so cool and unique. She also illustrated a book I reviewed by Toni Morrison called The Box. She is so talented!
This book is good for readers all ages. I first read this book when I was about 3 or 4 and loved the illustrations. After that, every time I wanted to tell the truth, I would think back to this book to make sure it was honest, but kind. Even if you are too young to appreciate the message, you will probably still enjoy this book.
I really liked this book. Four out of four roses definitely!
Elena Reads and Reviews 