
Reach for this book when your child's newfound commitment to honesty starts resulting in hurt feelings or social awkwardness. It is the perfect tool for navigating the tricky transition between learning that 'lying is bad' and understanding that 'brutal honesty' can be unkind. After a lesson on the importance of truth, Princess Kim decides to be 100 percent honest with everyone she meets. However, her blunt observations about her grandmother's hat and her friend's drawing quickly cause trouble. This story helps children ages 4 to 8 grasp the concept of a 'social filter' and the nuance of 'tact.' It provides a gentle framework for parents to explain that while we should not lie, we must also consider the feelings of others before we speak.
None. The book is secular and realistic, focusing on social-emotional etiquette.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn elementary student who is highly literal and has recently mastered the 'lying is bad' rule, but now needs help understanding how to navigate social interactions without being unintentionally mean.
Read this book cold, but be ready to discuss the difference between 'omitting a hurtful thought' and 'telling a lie.' A parent might feel embarrassed when their child loudly comments on a stranger's appearance in public or makes a blunt, hurtful comment to a relative.
Younger children (4-5) will enjoy the humor of Kim's bluntness and see it as 'silly.' Older children (6-8) will recognize the social stakes and feel the 'cringe' of Kim's social errors, making it a stronger tool for empathy. DIFERENTIATOR: Unlike many books that focus solely on the 'lies are bad' trope, this is one of the few that explores the nuance of 'too much truth,' teaching children that kindness is just as important as integrity.
After being caught in a small lie about her family tree, Princess Kim vows to tell 'the whole truth and nothing but the truth' for a week. Her commitment backfires when she begins giving unsolicited, blunt critiques of her teacher's hair, her grandmother's clothes, and her friends' talents. She eventually realizes that while lying is wrong, total honesty without empathy is also harmful.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.