Ages: 4-8 years
Would Benji tell a tale so tall?
And make you feel so very small?
Lyrical verse and colorful, engaging illustrations teach positive character traits (in this case: the value of telling the truth) in a lilting, playful manner that encourages - and in trials actually produces - multiple readings. Each story in the Promise Book series places Benji (and the unconditional love of every dog) in the role of being a conscience of sorts, so that when the child - or even later the older child or adult - is about to tell an untruth, a line like “Would Benji tell a tale so tall, and make you feel so very small?” might be fondly (and effectively) remembered. Each book in the series focuses on a single value like Truth, Love, Hope, Trust, or Courage (to say no to your peers). Benji Promises to Tell the Truth explores whether or not Benji should tell the truth about spilling a bowl of stew? How does it feel when you don’t tell the truth? Or when someone tries to blame you for something they have done? Ages: 4-8 years.
In this delightful series of books, Benji becomes a surrogate for the child’s own pet which enhances both the impact of the lesson and the recall with the emotional idea that if Benji (or your dog, or any dog) wouldn’t do such a thing, why would you even consider it?
In the next four of the series, Benji involves kids (and their parents) in the values of learning about hope, demonstrating love in everyday life, gaining the trust of others, and having courage (to say no to peers).
