The Honest-to-Goodness Truth
| Company type | Children's picture book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Patricia McKissack |
| Products | Children's literature |
The Honest-to-Goodness Truth is a children's picture book published in 2000, authored by Patricia McKissack with illustrations by Giselle Potter. The narrative centers on Libby Louise, a young girl who commits to speaking only the truth, encountering various situations that ultimately teach her the importance of compassion and understanding.
Reception
Booklist commended the book for delivering a nuanced moral lesson, highlighting Potter's vibrant artwork that effectively portrays the protagonist's journey in balancing honesty with tact. According to School Library Journal, it is "A welcome offering about honesty and consideration."
Included in Book Links’s recommended resources for introducing ethical concepts to children, the book is noted for its ability to distinguish between straightforward truthfulness and thoughtful discretion.
Further evaluations were published in The Horn Book Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, Library Media Connection, and Publishers Weekly, all recognizing the story’s warmth, humor, and its clear, child-friendly treatment of a complex topic.
In 2002, the title was selected for the NCTE Adventuring with Books list targeting Pre-K through Grade 6 readers.