Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! (Comets)
What’s inside...
Susie is the ultimate town girl but her mum has decided to move to the country, much to her daughter's annoyance. To keep her spirits up, Susie writes regularly to her best friend Marsha but can't resist embellishing her accounts of country life. When Marsha comes to visit and sees village life as it really is, Susie has some explaining to do! An amusing and perceptive tale from the master of comedy.
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters in the story said something that wasn't true?
How did their actions affect the other characters in the book?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How do you feel about telling the truth?
Can you think of a time when being honest helped you or someone else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading environment where your child feels safe to express their thoughts and emotions. Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and encourage them to elaborate on their answers by asking follow-up questions. Share personal anecdotes related to honesty and trust to connect the theme of the book to real-life scenarios. Lastly, affirm their thoughts and feelings to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: The story humorously illustrates the consequences of lying through the main character's escalating troubles caused by his fibs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of truth-telling and seeing how honesty fosters trust and fewer complications in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book showcases the protagonist’s creative storytelling skills, albeit through lies, which later transform into a force for good.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to channel their imagination positively, whether in creative writing, problem-solving, or storytelling, enhancing their cognitive and social skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for actions
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the character learns to take responsibility for the chaos caused by his lies, ultimately setting things right.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of owning up to their actions and learning from their mistakes, crucial for personal development and integrity.
Example Lesson: The power of redemption
Explanation: The protagonist rectifies his mistakes by the end, proving it’s never too late to make amends and change for the better.
Real-World Application: Children learn that making mistakes is human, but correcting them and seeking forgiveness is vital in nurturing lasting relationships and self-improvement.