Finn's little fibs

PreS-Gr 2--Percival's latest in the growing "Big Bright Feelings" series tackles lying. Brown-skinned Finn accidentally breaks his grandmother's clock and blames it on his sister. A little blob appears. As Finn continues fibbing, the blobs continue to pop up around him and make him feel increasingly upset. Once he tells the truth, the blobs, along with all the unpleasant feelings, disappear. Colorful illustrations help engage children, and the facial expressions show the effect that fibbing has on Finn as well as on his grandmother and sister. Back matter includes an author's note with tips on dealing with lies. This will spark meaningful discussions about honesty. VERDICT Purchase where SEL books and others in the series are popular.--Carrie Voliva

A lie threatens to overwhelm young Finn. Finn and his sister, Simone, are excited to spend several days at Grandma's house, which is full of "wonderful, beautiful but VERY fragile things." While bouncing his ball in the house, Finn accidentally breaks Grandma's clock. Rather than telling the truth, he tells her that Simone broke it. All weekend long, the lies pile up until finally he comes clean. Percival cleverly illustrates the weight of Finn's fibs. After he tells his first one, a little blob appears, visible only to him. With each new lie, another blob appears. The blobs make it hard for Finn to snuggle up on the sofa with Grandma and Simone or for him to enjoy his picnic lunch. Once Finn tells the whole truth, however, the blobs pop and disappear, relieving him of their heavy presence. This is an incredibly effective metaphor to help young children understand how lying feels and how it can weigh us down. Percival makes lovely use of color, the vibrant blobs contrasting against the more muted backgrounds. Grandma is a reassuring, affirming presence; little ones will come away aware of the importance of telling the truth. Finn and Simone present Black, while their grandmother presents white. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A helpful reminder that honesty truly is the best policy. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.