What If We Were All Honest! Review: Exploring Honesty in A Rhyme Picture Book

"It starts with us our hearts, our voice—to tell the truth, to make that choice." 

What if honesty were something we actually practiced every day? 

That’s the simple yet powerful idea behind What If We Were All Honest! by C.M. Harris, and honestly, it’s such a refreshing take on teaching kids about telling the truth. 

This book takes young readers on a gentle, heart-centered journey about honesty, trust, and taking responsibility for our actions. It’s written in rhyme, which makes it particularly enjoyable to read aloud, and the flow is smooth enough that kids can easily follow along. It never feels preachy, just thoughtful and relatable. 

What I really loved is how the story focuses on genuine honesty in real-life. Not just “don’t lie,” but things like admitting when you make a mistake, asking for help when you need it, and being honest with people you trust. It also makes an important point: honesty isn’t about being harsh or saying everything bluntly. It’s about being kind, responsible, and brave. 

The illustrations are another highlight. They’re bright, lively, and full of personality, definitely the kind that keeps kids engaged. I also really appreciated how diverse and inclusive the characters are. It feels intentional and adds a lot of warmth to the story. 

Another thing that stood out to me is how the book connects honesty to emotions and learning. It encourages kids to talk about how they feel, even the hard feelings, and reminds them that it’s okay to say when something is confusing or difficult. That’s such an important message, especially in both home and classroom settings. There’s even a discussion page at the end, which is perfect for parents or teachers who want to talk more about the message with kids. 

Overall, this is such a thoughtful and well-rounded children’s book. It’s engaging, meaningful, and actually useful for helping kids understand honesty in a real, everyday way. Definitely a great pick for both families and educators looking to support social-emotional learning without making it feel heavy. 

Thank you to Purple Diamond Press Inc. and NetGalley for providing me with the review copy.