Skip to main content

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.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak Review: Finding the Courage to Speak

"Livy Lou had no idea what she was supposed to say until she heard, 'Use your heart, be yourself, and make people's day.'"  Livy Lou Lovely Loves to Speak by Sally Lou Loveman is a heartwarming picture book about courage, confidence, and discovering your own voice.  The story follows Livy Lou Lovely, a young girl who struggles with the fear of speaking in front of others. Like many children, Livy Lou feels nervous and unsure when it comes to public speaking. Everything begins to change when she attends a television show with her mom. Faced with a new and exciting experience, Livy Lou makes a brave decision: she relies on her inner voice and chases her dreams. That simple choice becomes the moment she begins to discover her voice.  What makes this story meaningful is how relatable Livy Lou’s experience is. Many children feel shy or anxious about speaking up, whether in class, at home, or in front of a crowd. Livy Lou starts just like any other child, scared and he...
Post a Comment
Read more

Molly Tells the World: A Gentle Reminder That Being Different Is Okay 

Molly Tells the World by Krista Weltner is a touching children’s story that explores dyslexia, self-acceptance, and the quiet fears many children carry with them. Our main character is Molly, a kind and intelligent young girl who has dyslexia but is terrified of letting her friends know. Like many children her age, Molly just wants to be normal, to fit in, to be liked, and to avoid standing out for the “wrong” reasons.  Molly’s fear is relatable. Children with learning differences often feel pressured to hide their struggles, worried that others might see them as less capable, strange, or even unlikable. This emotional reality is portrayed with great sensitivity in the story. Molly is not shown as weak or incapable, in fact, she is good at school, friendly, and smart. Yet behind that confident exterior, she carries anxiety and self-doubt about her dyslexia, which makes her character feel very real.  Everything begins to shift when a new presence enters Molly’s life, Leeann. T...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Book of Kindness Review: Teaching Empathy Through Stories

  "Kindness is like my mom," Said the boy. "She's always with me and always there for me!" If you’re looking for a heartwarming children’s book that gently teaches empathy, compassion, and kindness, The Book of Kindness by Egor Klopenko is a wonderful choice.  This beautifully crafted picture book features eight short stories, each centered around themes of kindness, generosity, understanding, and empathy. The purpose of the book is clear and meaningful: to nurture compassion from a young age and help children discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from caring for others. Through simple yet impactful storytelling, the book shows how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world around us.  One of the good points of this book is its accessibility. The stories are easy to understand, thoughtfully written, and never overly complicated for young readers. Each story flows smoothly, making it ideal for independent reading, bedtime stories, or...
Post a Comment
Read more