The Honest-To-Goodness Truth

My family donated this book through the Temple University Alumni Holiday Book Drive. They listed desired books to purchase then donated them an elementary school. This was an effective and efficient system. I was happy to participate.

I've always taught my kids the importance of being truthful but then it's difficult to teach when it's ok to shade the truth. This story teaches the difference perfectly in a very wonderful way. A must for every grade school home library.

Libby's lie to her mother came out so easily, "like it was greased with warm butter". After spending the day on the porch for lying, Libby decides to tell nothing but the truth. Her truth-telling goes overboard, causing loss of cherished friendships both young and old. Telling everyone that Thomas got his lunch money from the teacher, for example, isn't exactly what her mother had in mind. It is only when Libby is confronted with the hurtful truth of another that she comes around to understanding that the honest-to-goodness truth told for the right reasons is never wrong.The simple illustrations lend themselves to understanding the story line. Giselle Potter used pencil, ink, gouache, gesso and watercolor to create the pictures that my young daughter and her older brother love to look at over and over again.This is a great theme with a fun story line done in a multi-cultural setting.

My second graders absolutely loved this book. I read it aloud to the class and then they wrote a response. They were asked to tell the lesson of this story, and to relate how they had been like either Libby Louise or a victim. The children were very honest in their responses. I think this book is a must for any classroom discussion. Though it is recommended for 4-8 year olds, the message would be good for all ages.

Terrific book and a great read-aloud! I read this book to my elementary class. The children loved it! It provided a wonderful "spring board" for a rich classroom discussion on truthfulness.