Did you know that April 15th is National Honesty Day? It’s the perfect opportunity to talk with children about the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and making good choices—even when no one is watching. Honesty isn’t always easy, and kids often struggle with when and how to tell the truth. That’s where books can help!
This collection includes stories that explore honesty in a variety of ways, from learning to tell the truth with kindness to understanding why cheating and stealing are wrong. With books suited for both lower elementary and mid-to-upper elementary students, these stories provide valuable lessons that help children navigate real-life situations with integrity. Whether your child is just beginning to grasp the concept of honesty or is ready for more complex discussions about moral choices, these books offer engaging, age-appropriate ways to build character and encourage truthfulness.
For some of the books on this site, I’ve created interactive read-alouds designed to enrich their use in the classroom. These resources include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that actively engage students and deepen their understanding of key themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way! If there’s a specific book you’d like to see included, please reach out using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
For more insights on supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) and incorporating interactive read-alouds into your teaching, explore these posts:
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Summary: It’s never too early to teach children the difference between truth and falsehood. Be Honest and Tell the Truth helps young readers understand that honesty builds trust and self-confidence. Through engaging illustrations and simple language, the book demonstrates how telling the truth sometimes requires courage and tact. With discussion questions, skits, scenarios, and interactive games, this book provides an excellent framework for parents and educators to reinforce honesty in everyday life.
Description: This book is part of Chari J. Meiners’ well-loved Learning to Get Along series, which is praised for its accessible approach to social-emotional learning. It presents honesty as a key virtue, explaining how being truthful impacts friendships, self-esteem, and trust. The interactive elements in the book make it ideal for both home and classroom settings, helping children practice honesty in a relatable and engaging way.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and teachers appreciate this book for its clarity and effectiveness. Reviewers highlight that it is an excellent tool for early childhood education, with one parent noting that their child often chooses to re-read it independently. Educators find the included prompts and discussion points particularly useful in encouraging reflection and conversation about honesty.
However, some readers have noted that the book covers a broad range of honesty-related topics beyond just truth-telling, such as keeping promises and taking responsibility. While this can be seen as a strength, others wished for a more focused approach to honesty in terms of lying and deception. Additionally, a few users mentioned that the digital format’s layout was not ideal for reading on Kindle, though the physical book remains highly recommended.
Summary: Betty Bunny is back, and this time she’s learning about honesty the hard way. When Betty breaks a lamp, she blames it on the Tooth Fairy. As her fib spirals out of control, Betty discovers that telling the truth—no matter how difficult—brings better results than lying. This humorous and relatable story teaches children the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of personal responsibility.
Description: Michael Kaplan’s Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It is a lighthearted yet meaningful tale that explores the natural tendency of young children to bend the truth. Through witty dialogue and engaging illustrations, the book captures the challenges kids face when learning to take responsibility for their actions. The story encourages discussions about honesty in a way that is entertaining and memorable for young readers.
Reviews and Considerations: This book resonates with many parents and educators who appreciate its humorous approach to teaching honesty. Betty’s exaggerated excuses and the ultimate lesson she learns make it an engaging read for children who may see themselves in her antics. Readers praise the book for its ability to open up conversations about telling the truth without feeling overly preachy.
Some reviewers note that while Betty’s mischievous nature is relatable, her behavior might require some parental guidance to ensure young readers fully understand the moral lesson. Nonetheless, Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It is a great tool for discussing integrity in a fun and accessible way.
Summary: When first-grader Jamaica finds a stuffed animal at the park, she faces a moral dilemma: keep the toy she loves or do the right thing? With the help of her family, Jamaica considers how the child who lost the toy might feel. This beautifully illustrated book gently explores right and wrong, honesty, and empathy in a way that young readers can understand.
Description: Juanita Havill’s Jamaica’s Find is a classic story about making good choices, told in a relatable and heartfelt way. The text is simple yet powerful, and the warm, expressive illustrations add depth to Jamaica’s emotions and decisions. The book’s themes encourage children to think about fairness, integrity, and how their actions affect others.
With a realistic and hopeful approach, Jamaica’s Find provides an opportunity for children to discuss the importance of honesty and empathy, making it a great addition to both classroom and home libraries.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers praise Jamaica’s Find for its strong moral message and relatable protagonist. Many parents and educators appreciate how the book naturally sparks conversations about ethical decision-making and empathy. One reviewer noted that the book helped their child understand the two sides of “finders keepers” and the importance of considering others’ feelings.
The book’s representation of diverse characters also receives positive feedback, with some readers noting how valuable it is for children to see characters from different backgrounds working through common childhood challenges. Some reviewers mention that the story is on the shorter side, but most agree that it effectively conveys its message with clarity and heart.
Summary: Levi has a habit of making up stories whenever he doesn’t like the truth. But when his mom explains how lying can cloud his “inside sun” and turn into a storm, Levi starts to realize how dishonesty affects his relationships and emotions. This engaging and thoughtful book helps kids understand the impact of lying and the importance of telling the truth.
Description: Julia Cook’s Lying Up a Storm provides a creative and visually engaging metaphor for explaining the consequences of dishonesty. The book presents lying as a growing storm, showing how one small lie can build into something much bigger. It also acknowledges that lying is a common part of childhood and offers strategies for children to recognize and correct dishonest behavior.
With relatable scenarios and easy-to-understand language, this book is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to guide children toward more truthful communication. The story also includes a section at the end with discussion prompts and tips for adults to further support conversations about honesty.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators praise Lying Up a Storm for its clear and effective way of addressing dishonesty. Reviewers appreciate how the book uses simple, engaging language and a strong visual metaphor to help children grasp the concept. Several parents mention that their children were able to relate to Levi’s struggles and that the book became a valuable tool for reinforcing honesty at home.
Some readers note that while the book effectively conveys the message, its writing style occasionally shifts between rhyming and prose, which may feel inconsistent. Others mention that the book works best for children in early elementary grades rather than very young readers. Despite these minor critiques, most agree that Lying Up a Storm is a highly useful book for teaching the importance of honesty in a gentle and engaging way.
Summary: Finn loves visiting his grandma’s house, but when he accidentally breaks her clock, he panics and tells a little fib—blaming his sister. Suddenly, a tiny blob appears! As Finn tells more fibs, the blobs multiply, following him everywhere and making him feel terrible. Finn realizes that the only way to get rid of the fibs is to tell the truth.
This heartwarming picture book explores the impact of dishonesty and the importance of taking responsibility. With colorful illustrations and a relatable storyline, Finn’s Little Fibs provides a valuable lesson about honesty, forgiveness, and emotional awareness.
Description: Part of the Big Bright Feelings series, Finn’s Little Fibs uses an engaging metaphor to show how lies can grow and weigh us down. Tom Percival’s book is designed as an accessible entry point for discussing honesty, emotions, and social responsibility with young children.
Beyond just teaching kids not to lie, the book also emphasizes why people sometimes tell fibs—out of fear or anxiety—and how admitting the truth can bring relief and strengthen trust. A reflection section at the end helps parents and educators spark conversations about honesty and accountability.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators praise Finn’s Little Fibs for its engaging storytelling and its ability to open up conversations about truthfulness. Many readers appreciate how Finn’s growing fibs visually represent guilt and the burden of dishonesty, making it easy for children to grasp the message.
Some reviewers note that the story portrays Finn’s initial lie as more of a “big lie” than a small fib, as he shifts the blame onto his sister. However, they also acknowledge that this adds depth to the discussion, as it shows children that no matter how big a lie gets, honesty is always the best path forward.
Educators and therapists frequently recommend the book for classroom discussions and social-emotional learning. The book’s diverse characters and vibrant illustrations make it an engaging and valuable addition to any child’s library.
Summary: Ricky has a habit of taking things that don’t belong to him. Whether it’s a friend’s toy or something from the store, he just can’t seem to stop. But when Ricky experiences what it feels like to have something stolen from him, he begins to understand why stealing is wrong. With a little help, he learns how to make things right and respect other people’s belongings.
Description: Julia Cook’s Ricky Sticky Fingers helps children recognize the importance of honesty and respect. Through engaging rhymes and relatable situations, the book teaches kids about personal responsibility and how taking things without permission affects others. The story includes practical guidance for parents and educators on addressing this behavior and reinforcing positive choices.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators appreciate how Ricky Sticky Fingers helps children understand the emotional impact of stealing. The book is often used in classrooms and therapy sessions to guide discussions about honesty and consequences. Some readers note that the shifting rhyme scheme can be distracting, but most agree that the book’s lesson is powerful and effective for young readers.
Summary: Ruthie loves tiny things, so when she finds a small camera on the playground, she decides to keep it—even though it doesn’t belong to her. When confronted, she tells a lie, but the guilt quickly weighs on her. The story follows Ruthie as she struggles with her emotions and ultimately finds the courage to tell the truth, showing young readers that honesty, even when difficult, is always the right choice.
Description: Laura Rankin’s book gently explores the consequences of dishonesty while reinforcing the relief that comes from telling the truth. With expressive illustrations and an engaging narrative, this story provides a relatable and reassuring way to discuss honesty with young children.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators appreciate Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie for its ability to help children understand the emotional impact of dishonesty. The book does an excellent job of capturing the internal struggle children may feel when they tell a lie, making it a valuable tool for opening up discussions about integrity.
Readers love how the book presents honesty as not just a rule to follow but something that affects a child’s well-being. The illustrations and storytelling are praised for making the lesson accessible and engaging. One reviewer shared how the book helped their child differentiate between truth and lies in everyday life, showing its effectiveness as a teaching tool.
Some readers note that very young children may need extra guidance to fully grasp the concept of ownership and why Ruthie’s actions were wrong, particularly those who are still learning about personal responsibility. However, most agree that this is a fantastic book for starting conversations about truthfulness, personal growth, and making things right when mistakes happen.
Summary: What do you do when your pet dragon starts taking things that don’t belong to him? Stop Your Dragon from Stealing follows a young boy as he teaches his dragon the importance of honesty and respecting others’ belongings. Through fun and engaging storytelling, the book helps children understand why stealing is wrong and how they can make better choices.
Description: Part of the My Dragon Books series, this book uses a playful, rhyming narrative to address the issue of stealing in a way that young children can relate to. The story walks kids through the emotions and consequences of taking something without permission, showing them how to return stolen items, apologize, and make amends. The colorful illustrations and lighthearted tone make a serious topic approachable for children.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators love how Stop Your Dragon from Stealing makes an important lesson fun and engaging. Many reviewers mention that the book opens up natural conversations about honesty and responsibility. One grandparent shared that they had their grandson read the book repeatedly to reinforce the lesson, while a teacher praised the book for being a great addition to social-emotional learning discussions.
Some readers appreciate the gentle approach to the topic, while others note that the book works best when paired with real-life discussions and guidance. Overall, this book is a strong resource for teaching young children why honesty and respect for others’ property matter.
Summary: Noodle, whose real name is Norman David Edwards, has had the worst day ever—because he got caught cheating! In this engaging and humorous story, Noodle learns the hard way that cheating doesn’t just affect himself but also impacts those around him. Through his journey, children will see the importance of honesty, personal integrity, and taking responsibility for their actions.
Description: Cheaters Never Prosper is part of Julia Cook’s Responsible Me! series, which focuses on character development and social-emotional learning. This book presents the issue of cheating in a way that is relatable for young readers, emphasizing the long-term consequences of dishonesty. With its engaging illustrations and a story written in rhyme, the book makes an important lesson fun and easy to understand.
At the end of the book, Cook includes practical tips for parents and educators on how to address cheating with children. The strategies provided reinforce the idea that honesty is always the best choice and that making mistakes can be an opportunity for growth.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents, teachers, and counselors find Cheaters Never Prosper to be an excellent resource for teaching integrity. Reviewers appreciate how the book presents a difficult topic in a way that children can understand and relate to. One reader highlighted that the story helps kids recognize that even small acts of dishonesty can have a significant impact.
Some reviewers love the rhyming text and engaging illustrations, while others note that Noodle’s behavior may require additional discussion to ensure young readers grasp the full lesson. Teachers report that the book works well in classroom settings, opening up natural discussions about honesty and fair play.
Summary: Ayzlin is faced with a difficult choice: tell the truth about a mistake or tell a lie to avoid trouble. Honesty: The Best Me That I Can Be explores the internal struggle children face when deciding between honesty and dishonesty. This book highlights that while telling the truth can be hard, it is always the right choice in the long run.
Description: As part of The Best Me That I Can Be series, this book aims to help children understand the value of honesty in a relatable way. Ayzlin’s story is designed to encourage young readers to think critically about their own choices and how honesty impacts themselves and others. The book also provides practical ways for parents and educators to reinforce these lessons in daily life.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators appreciate the book’s straightforward approach to teaching honesty. Many readers found it useful for initiating conversations with young children about the importance of truthfulness. One reviewer noted that their child could easily relate to Ayzlin’s dilemma and understood the consequences of lying. Some readers found the writing style a bit simplistic, but overall, the message was clear and impactful.
Summary: This engaging and playful book follows a young child who has a pet dragon—one that needs to learn an important lesson about honesty. The dragon quickly realizes that lying might seem like an easy way out of trouble, but it only creates bigger problems. Through gentle storytelling, this book teaches young readers the value of truthfulness, emphasizing that honesty builds trust and self-respect.
Description: Part of Steve Herman’s My Dragon Books series, this book uses a fun and imaginative approach to teach children about the consequences of lying. With rhyming text and bright, engaging illustrations, it captures young readers’ attention while reinforcing the importance of integrity. The book also helps parents and educators guide discussions on honesty in a non-judgmental, relatable way.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators praise this book for making honesty an accessible and engaging topic for kids. Readers love how the story frames lying as a behavior that can be corrected with understanding and guidance, rather than punishment. Several reviewers highlight how their children quickly connected with the dragon character, which made the lessons more impactful.
However, a few readers noted that some phrasing might feel too harsh for very young children, as it suggests that lying could lead to losing friends. Others pointed out that their kids focused more on the dragon’s misbehavior rather than the resolution, requiring extra discussion to reinforce the book’s message.
Summary: Cora June is learning a big lesson about integrity—doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. When she takes shortcuts while cleaning her room and then cheats on a spelling test, she starts to hear the word “integrity” everywhere. But where is it? Under her bed? In her closet? As Cora June discovers what integrity truly means, she realizes she’s lost hers and must find a way to make things right.
Description: As part of The Leader I’ll Be! series, this book breaks down the concept of integrity in a way that’s engaging and relatable for young readers. Julia Cook uses humor and real-life situations to help kids see how honesty, responsibility, and self-reliance shape their character. With expressive illustrations and a clear message, the book makes it easy for parents and educators to start conversations about making good choices. The end of the book includes practical tips for reinforcing integrity at home and in the classroom.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators love this book for making a complex virtue like integrity accessible to kids. Many praise its engaging story and clear message, with some noting that children easily relate to Cora June’s struggles. The book’s humor and lively illustrations also help keep young readers engaged.
A few reviewers mention that while the book does a great job introducing integrity, it might be more effective for slightly older children who can grasp abstract concepts. However, most agree that it’s a fantastic resource for teaching kids about honesty, responsibility, and the importance of doing what’s right.
Summary: Diggory Doo is back, and this time he’s learning about integrity—doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. When Diggory promises to do something but takes shortcuts, cheats, or lies, he doesn’t realize the impact of his choices. But with a little guidance, Diggory begins to understand why integrity matters. This engaging and relatable story helps children see the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
Description: As part of Steve Herman’s Teach Your Dragon series, this book uses the beloved dragon character to explore moral behavior in a way that’s fun and accessible for young readers. With engaging rhymes and colorful illustrations, the story covers real-life situations like cheating on a test, stealing, and making promises—but not keeping them. Parents and educators will appreciate how this book reinforces integrity in an easy-to-understand and memorable way.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents, teachers, and therapists praise Teach Your Dragon Integrity for breaking down a complex virtue into a relatable and entertaining story. Many reviewers love how the book teaches kids that integrity goes beyond just “not lying”—it’s about consistently doing what’s right. The rhyming text and playful illustrations make it enjoyable for kids, with some families reading it repeatedly as part of their daily discussions on character-building.
A few parents note that the book might be a bit long for younger children, and some wished for even more concrete examples of integrity in action. However, the overwhelming response is positive, with many families and classrooms using it to spark meaningful conversations about honesty and personal responsibility.
Summary: Libby’s mama always told her, “Tell the truth and shame the devil.” But when Libby starts telling the truth all the time, she quickly learns that honesty isn’t as simple as it seems. After calling out a friend’s holey sock, tattling on a classmate’s unfinished homework, and making others upset with her blunt words, Libby realizes that the way she tells the truth matters. Can she learn to be honest while also being kind?
Description: Written by Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Patricia McKissack, The Honest-to-Goodness Truth explores the fine line between honesty and tact. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging storyline, the book teaches children that telling the truth is important, but so is knowing when and how to say it. The story provides an excellent springboard for discussions about honesty, kindness, and considering others’ feelings.
Reviews and Considerations: Educators and parents praise the book for tackling the nuances of truthfulness in a way that resonates with children. Many highlight how the story encourages self-reflection, making it an excellent tool for classroom discussions. Some reviewers appreciate how it distinguishes between honesty and unnecessary bluntness, while others note that the use of dialect may require additional discussion in certain settings.
A few readers were concerned about the inclusion of a disciplinary spanking scene, which may not align with all parenting styles. Others noted that the book’s use of informal grammar in narration felt out of place. However, the vast majority of reviewers find The Honest-to-Goodness Truth to be a valuable and thought-provoking read for children learning the importance of honesty with empathy.
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