At times, we adults have a habit of thinking of childhood as being simple. Rules are meant to be followed, needs are mostly met by others and issues faced can often be classified in terms of opposites. We even teach young children opposites as though they are unshakable truths. Up/down, in/out, big/little, wrong/right, black/white.
At some point, savvy children will begin to notice that life does not always fit into neatly labeled boxes of opposites, and that there are shades of gray. Parents and teachers might find it difficult to discuss ideas and issues that have no clear cut answers with young children.
The book The Honest to Goodness Truth by Patricia C. McKissack tackles the issue of truth telling vs. lying head on. Yes, we all know we should tell the truth at all times. But are there times that we hide the truth, or try to cover it up under the guise of politeness? Have you ever heard a child exclaim loudly, "Look at that fat man!" or a similarly embarrassing comment? We expect people in our culture to filter such comments (however accurate they may be) and refrain from saying them aloud.
Not all young children will immediately understand the message of this story, but it does provide for good conversation. I would encourage you to read it aloud to your child and talk about it in simple terms, and then read it again, and again, and again over a span of months, or years. Older children will also enjoy reading this advanced picture book and they will understand the message better. Be ready to discuss it with them as well.
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