Carnegie's Excuse

Reach for this book when your child has just told a tall tale to cover up a mistake or when they are feeling the pressure of being 'perfect' in a school setting. It is a playful, absurdist story about Carnegie, a young girl who arrives late to school and offers a wild, imaginative explanation involving a tiger jumping through her window. While the book touches on accountability, its primary focus is celebrating the vibrant, sometimes frantic creativity kids use to navigate social anxiety or embarrassment. Appropriate for ages 5 to 8, this story provides a safe space to discuss the difference between lying and storytelling. Parents will appreciate how it pivots from a stressful moment (being late) into a shared moment of humor and wonder. It is an excellent choice for children who have a flair for the dramatic or those who need a gentle nudge to talk about why they might be struggling with school routines.