Tell the Truth, Tyler (Happy Day Books, Level 3)

Tell the Truth, Tyler is part of the Happy Day Books series, and is written by Jodee McConnaughhay and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. This one is a Level 3 book, so it contains a more complex story with greater vocabulary and longer paragraphs than the previous levels.

When Tyler's dad asks him if he had a piece of chocolate cake, Tyler says no. Tyler's dad turns him around and shows him his chocolate covered face in the mirror, and Tyler knows that he's been caught in a lie. Tyler's dad tells him that he understands that it isn't always easy to tell the truth, but that God's Word tells us that it is the right thing to do. He says:

"The Bible says, 'Stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth.'"

Tyler tells his dad about a couple of instances when he hadn't spoken up when he probably should have. His teacher had found gum on the floor and wondered aloud who had dropped it. Tyler didn't say anything. He also had not been washing his hands with soap even though it was the rule, and still told his teacher that he had washed his hands.

Tyler's dad explains to him that not speaking up and telling half-truths is still lying in the eyes of God. At the end of the book, Tyler's little sister doesn't tell the truth, and Tyler is able to join his dad in telling her what the Bible says about lying in Ephesians 4:25.

What I Like: This story really hit home for my three year old. I could tell that she understood every word, and even recounted the story to my husband at dinner that night. I like how simply the story is told, and that it includes dishonesty by omission, which is often left out of children's books. I also like the repetition in the book, "Stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth," which is stated four times throughout the 15 page story.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: The publisher says 3-7, but I think it is more appropriate for ages 3-5.

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2005; ISBN: 0784717095 ;Paperback $2.29

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Special Info: We've reviewed other books in the Happy Day series. Read them here!