Children’s Books About Honesty

Honesty is important in all that we do and it’s never too early to teach kids about the importance of being honest.  These children’s books about honesty will help your kids learn about this important character trait.

“Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.” -Albert Einstein

Here is a sneak peek at what you’ll find in this post.

1. Favorite books that focus on the theme of HONESTY including a FREE printable book list.
2. A list of discussion questions/conversation starters about the character strength- HONESTY which you can also print.
3. Resources for families to hold a Family Dinner Book Club on the HONESTY theme including menu ideas, activities, and a family service project.

BOOKS ABOUT HONESTY

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It’s time for the emperor to choose an heir in The Empty Pot by Demi.  Turns out that honesty is greatly rewarded.

Inside Usborne Illustrated Stories from Aesop, you will find The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  A great lesson about not tricking people to believe something that isn’t true.

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! by Scott Magoon is a variation of the traditional The Boy Who Cried Wolf. A little boy tries to convince everyone that he has seen Bigfoot even trying to trick them with evidence he created. Then when he really does see him, no one in town believes him.

Tell the Truth B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra is an entertaining story where the wolf from The Three Little Pigs gets to tell his side of the story. As the reader, you get to decide if he is telling the truth. The pigs sure don’t think he is being honest.

Lots of honesty conversations to have while reading The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen.  First, the tailors aren’t honest about their work.  Then, no one wants to tell the emperor the truth about his clothes. And goodness, the emperor ends up walking down the streets naked.

A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts is a story about a boy who finds a bill on the floor of the store. He initially thinks it is $1, but it turns out to be a $100 bill.  Should it matter if it’s a $1 or $100?  What is the right thing to do? This is a realistic look at all the thoughts that one goes through when making a decision.

In A Day’s Work by Eve Bunting, children learn about the importance of being honest.  A young boy lies that his grandfather is a gardener to get work for them. The employer soon discovers the lie and the young boy learns a lesson about working hard, telling the truth, and the importance of having strong role models to guide us.

The Honest-to-Goodness Truthby Patricia C. McKissack is the story of a little girl who happens to be a little too honest and hurts someone’s feelings.  It’s a great lesson in being honest, but also kind in our delivery.  And, also knowing when to speak the truth and when it might not be necessary.

If you are looking for a middle school chapter book option, try Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen.

Get your downloadable printable list of all the books on this list below. Take it to the library or copy it for families.

HONESTY DISCUSSION STARTERS

Whether you pick one book to read on the list or many, you can use these conversation starters to talk about the character strength of HONESTY. You can also print the list out below.

Why are people dishonest?

How does it feel when someone lies to you?

Are there ever times when it is okay to lie? Why?

Is it easier to tell a lie or tell the truth?

Is there a difference between telling the truth and tattling on someone?

Do you know people who are honest? Who?

PRINT THE HONESTY BOOK LIST AND DISCUSSION STARTERS

Print out the book list and discussion starters. Take it to the library or copy it for families.

HONESTY FAMILY DINNER BOOK CLUB

This book list and theme make a great start for families to hold their own Family Dinner Book Club.

What is a Family Dinner Book Club?

Each month:

• On the first of each month, we provide all the details for your dinner.
• Sarah from Chef Sarah Elizabeth shares a themed menu to complement the theme for the month.
• Laura from Sunny Day Family shares an activity and a family service project.
• And, I share a book list that compliments the themes plus conversation starters.

For our theme of  HONESTY,  you have found the book list and discussion starters on this page.

Check out the themed menu from Chef Sarah Elizabeth.—> MENU

And, visit Sunny Day Family for a family service project idea and more activities.—> ACTIVITIES

For even more ideas, like our Family Dinner Book Club Facebook Page.