Zak and His Little Lies
#2 in Zak Series
What’s inside...
Zak is on his final warning and if he tells one more lie, he won't be allowed to go to the skate park with Baba and Hana. Despite having one last job to do, Zak's day turns chaotic with an encounter with bothersome boys, a chase by a mighty animal named Moose, and an adventurous lizard named Dwayne. J. Samia Mair, the author, has published four children's books, including three picture books: 'Zak and His Good Intentions', 'Amira's Totally Chocolate World', and 'The Perfect Gift', all of which have been favorably received, as well as a chapter book, 'The Great Race to Sycamore Street'.
Discussion points
Why do you think Zak told little lies and how did it make him feel afterward?
What could Zak have done differently when he felt like telling a lie?
How do the consequences of Zak's lies help him learn about honesty?
Can you think of a time when you were in a similar situation as Zak? What did you do?
How did Zak's family help him understand the importance of telling the truth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and open atmosphere before starting the conversation, ensuring your child feels safe to express their thoughts and feelings.
Use examples from Zak's experiences in the story to relate to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Praise your child for their honesty during the discussion to encourage open communication.
Encourage your child to think about alternative solutions in scenarios where Zak opted to lie, fostering problem-solving skills.
Revisit the story’s outcomes to emphasize the positive aspects of honesty and the consequences of dishonesty.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Zak, the protagonist, learns through his experiences that lying can lead to undesirable outcomes and that telling the truth, although sometimes hard, is always rewarding.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their daily interactions, understanding that being honest builds trust and creates positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Every action has consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Zak faces various situations where his actions, particularly his lies, lead to complications. This demonstrates the cause and effect nature of our actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the outcomes of their actions and consider the consequences before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness is important
Explanation: After Zak confesses his lies, he is forgiven by his parents and friends. This highlights the importance of forgiveness in human relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forgiveness and encourages them to forgive others who may have wronged them, fostering empathy and kindness.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Zak’s journey shows that mistakes are inevitable, but learning from them is crucial for personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by acknowledging their mistakes, learning from them and striving to do better next time.