That's Not True!: (BookLife Readers)
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Explore the world of myths and truths through the eyes of a curious child who questions everything he is told. Adventure through his journey of discoveries and learn the value of seeking knowledge. Luke had an incredible life and always told the truth about it. He had a jet pack and a pet mammoth, and his friend was Bigfoot. No one ever believed a word he said, until he told his first-ever lie.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the story's message on telling the truth? How does it make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you were honest like the character in the book? What happened?
Why is it important to tell the truth, even if it might be hard?
How did the characters in the book react to the truth? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Listen actively to your child's responses, showing interest and encouragement for their thoughts and feelings.
Avoid correcting your child's answers; instead, guide them to think deeper about the story with follow-up questions.
Relate the book's themes to real-life situations that your child might encounter, making the discussion relevant and meaningful.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the book and its message. This helps them to engage more critically with the material.
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the conversation lively and engaging, mirroring the book's tone.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Truth and Honesty
Explanation: The book fosters an understanding of the importance of truthfulness through its narrative, where characters learn the consequences of not being honest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that truth builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: Accepting Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story demonstrate taking responsibility for their actions, which is integral to the plot and its resolution.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to own up to their mistakes and learn from them, promoting personal growth and accountability.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book portrays characters who learn to understand each other’s feelings and viewpoints, which enhances the storyline.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be empathetic towards their peers, helping them build stronger and more compassionate connections.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The narrative encourages children to think critically about what is true and what is not, highlighting the importance of questioning and analysis.
Real-World Application: Children can use critical thinking to navigate information in school and in their personal life, aiding them in making informed decisions.