Honesty
Kids high in honesty are truthful in words, actions and behavior. They are sincere with themselves and their beliefs. Honest people are viewed as trustworthy and authentic.
These children’s books explore honesty in different situations, exploring its underuse (phoniness; lack of integrity) and overuse (righteousness; rudeness) and what they may look like from a child’s point of view. There are many books on honesty but these are ones that felt honest themselves, not overly moralistic and entertaining for kids.
Camilla pretends to be something she’s not and is met with extreme and escalating physical ailments. She learns to be honest with herself and live authentically. This one can also be read with the following companion strengths:, kindness, in that she’s not kind to herself; social intelligence; in that she is overly focused on others and deceives herself; and bravery, in that she conquers her fear, in funny effect, to live as her true self.
Artist: David Shannon
A Bad Case of Stripes
Bright, pretty and fragile illustrations bring to life this realistic story about a little girl who steals from her good friend. Isobel, the little girl, feels badly after stealing and confides in her mother, who validates her feelings and supports her through them. Isobel fesses up to her friend and, listening to her feelings and body, notices she feels much better. The sweet story is not overly moralizing, instead approaching the subject of stealing through discussion of feelings, consequences and learning.
Artist: Bernadette Watts
The Golden Plate
A moving story with ties to honesty, bravery, love and forgiveness. A little girl carefully carries a basket of eggs home through the countryside and, despite her best efforts, drops them on the ground. Ashamed and upset, she climbs into an apple tree and hides from her parents. They find her and make the best of a bad situation with humor, love and understanding. Shows that mistakes are easily forgiven when made and acknowledged honestly.
Down the Road
