| A pediatrician I knew often told parents that all children lie. It may be a learned behavior, but for some reason all kids learn to do it by the time they are two. The hard part is teaching them to unlearn. This 61-page picture book contains simple language easily read by first and second graders (on a par with Dr. Suess), but its sophistication about children's propensity to lie will keep them coming back until they are approaching middle school. The premise is simple: While everyone, even the author, has told some lies--"I'm late because my watch stopped, I did not spend my lunch money on candy"--most people need to tell the truth to feel good about themselves. People get along much better in life if they tell the truth. The book explains that there a lot of different kinds of lies, and a lot of reasons that people tell them. "Some people can look at others, face to face and they can tell an enormous WHOPPER. But when others lie, their faces get red, and they have to turn to look away." People lie because they don't want to tell the truth, don't want to admit that they have done something wrong, prefer to blame others, think it will get them out of trouble. Lying, on the contrary, often gets people into even more trouble. Some of Moser's books are funny. Not this one. But Moser does make even adults look silly when they lie. A car salesman looks ridiculous telling his customer "This car is in perfect condition." A politician, who promises, if elected, to raise only wages, but never to raise taxes, looks silly too. So does the kid who tells his friends that his uncle was an explorer before becoming an astronaut and a movie star. Next, kids learn about why it's important not to lie. First, liars need good memories, so they can remember who they lied to and what they told them. Otherwise, they'll get confused and will soon be caught in their lies. Worrying about this makes some liars unable to eat or sleep. It even makes them worry that people will stop believing or lose respect for them. If people want respect and trust from others, Moser tells kids, "you must apologize for lying and tell the truth." Telling the truth, he concludes, is "like ice skating--the more you do it, the easier it becomes." Once kids have digested this message, they tell the truth more often, and have every reason to feel proud. Alyssa A. Lappen |
| The Emotional Impact Series... The truth may be sacred, but many people--both children and adults--think lying is easier. Some people lie so often that it becomes a habit--a very bad habit--that reduces their own sense of self-esteem and makes others not trust them. In a clear and easy-to-understand narrative, Dr. Moser discusses the problems of lying and the importance of telling the truth. he offers thoughtful examples and suggests ways that can help children tell the truth. Dr. Moser's text is informative, entertaining, witty, and easy to read. David Melton's illustrations are outstanding. They are bright and clever, and often hilarious. Children are sure to love this book. parents are bound to appreciate its common-sense approach. And teachers and counselors will recognize this book as a valuable tool for affecting the lives of children in positive ways. |
