These 20 books about honesty are perfect for helping students learn about the consequences of lying and that it is always better to tell the truth. The book recommendations teach a variety of lessons - from how little lies add up to the harmful effects that dishonesty has. Many of them also bring in some fun and humor, which makes talking about dishonesty easier!
1. Being Frank by Donna W. Earnhardt
Frank is a very honest kid. Maybe a little too honest...telling hurtful truths. He likes to tell things how they are; however, that is not always a good idea. A wonderful book for discussions about honesty - what we should say...and what we shouldn't.
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2. The Lying King by Alex Beard
A warthog wants to be king, so he lies his way to the top. He tells all types of lies that cause chaos in his kingdom, but can he keep lying? This tale is a reminder to children how lies can snowball and cause great harm.
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3. Eli's Lie-o-Meter by Sandra Levins
A favorite book for learning about telling the truth. Eli, the main character, sometimes has trouble with being honest and he stretches the truth. That is until his dog gets punished in the backyard...
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4. Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big by Berkley Breathed
Edwurd makes up all types of lies - little fibs, big fibs, and eventually, his fibs go too far! Will he be saved from his fibbing? A story not only of honesty but of sibling love.
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5. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School by Davide Cali
A nice picture book to teach children about honesty. A boy was late to school and tells his teacher a variety of excuses. Each excuse gets more and more ridiculous! Will his teacher believe him?
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6. What Should I Do? by Fadelha Mahmood
A little boy had an accident while his mom was away and he is unsure how to handle it. He decides he will ask his siblings, but he gets very mixed answers. A wonderful book to teach the importance of honest actions and telling the truth.
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7. Rumor Has It... by Julia Cook
An entertaining story that all school children can relate to around rumors. It is a silly book that starts with rumors about ridiculous items in the girls' restroom...like tv and couch! The book uses humor to discuss an important topic about how rumors can have side effects.
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8. The Fibbing Giraffe by D. White
A lying giraffe does not think of the consequences that his fibs may have. Eventually, he realizes that maybe being honest is a better choice. With cute illustrations and a clear message, this is a great book for young readers.
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9. Teach Your Dragon to Stop Lying by Steve Herman
From a book series, this read introduces honesty in a cute way. It tells about having a pet dragon and all the amazing things you can teach them! Besides tricks, you also need to teach your dragon the importance of telling the truth.
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10. Little Lucy and Her White Lies by Leigha Huggins
A character education book on honesty. Leigha tells her mom lots of white lies until they begin to grow and grow, and she thinks that maybe it is better to have been honest. A nice book to teach about how small lies can snowball and turn into a bigger mess!
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11. Dishonest Ninja by Mary Nhin
Telling lies can't hurt anyone, right? Or so Ninja thinks. That is until he realizes the effects of honesty and that lies can harm others. While lying might be easy, being honest is always better.
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12. Franklin Fibs by Paulette Bourgeois
A classic storybook with our friend Franklin, he learns about the consequences of fibbing the hard way when his friends all brag about different things they can do. A cute book for teaching kids about making honest choices.
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13. It Wasn't Me by Sadie Gardner
Mike has a pet monkey who is like his best friend. But every time Mike does something wrong, he blames the monkey. Soon he realizes that his lying has consequences and learns that lying is not a good idea!
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14. Otter B Honest by Pamela Kennedy
A rhyming book that teaches honesty. Otter breaks his dad's watch and rather than tell the truth, he hides it! Will Otter come clean? Or will he continue to lie?
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15. Honesty Counts by Mike Berenstain
There is a canoe race at the campout and Too Tall and his friends decide winning is more important than anything...even being honest. This leads to a teaching moment on why being honest is the best bet!
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16. When I Lie by Michael Gordon
Heidi is a young girl who lies to her parents. All day she fell yucky from lying and she eventually gets caught. Her parents sit her down to discuss why lying is bad. A great book that looks at a real situation many children will find themselves in.
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17. Princess Kim and the Too Much Truth by Maryanne Cocca-Leffler
While telling the truth is important, some things can be kept to yourself. Kim learns an important lesson of being TOO honest and that sometimes we shouldn't say what we are thinking.
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18. The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot by Scott Magoon
A retelling similar to " the boy who cried wolf" story. Ben is a nice boy, but he often likes to tell stories. One day, big foot steals his bike, but no one comes to help. Will Ben learn that being honest is better than telling stories?
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19. Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen
This book is for older students. Kevin finds it easier to lie. But lie after lie, it all adds up and leads to consequences with his family and friends.
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20. The Empty Pot by Demi
A lovely story that tells of a competition to grow seeds. Ping loved flowers and tries his hardest to grow the seeds, but fails...or so he thinks he did. A story with a great moral about honesty for any child!
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