The Tattletale

by Lynn Downey, Pam Paparone (Illustrator)

Having a tattletale for a brother is just about the worst! MAAMAA!!!

Wembly scratches his snout.
William tells.
Wembly sticks out his tongue.
William tells. It seems there's no end to William's tattles, much to Wembly's frustration. But what happens when Mama puts her hoof down and separates the feuding brothers? With clever humor and silly charm, this tale of two pigs captures the essence of sibling rivalry--and friendship.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2006

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

William tells everything that Wembly does, good, bad, or indifferent. William is a tattletale, and his actions have caused a rift between him and his brother. William tries to refrain from being a tattletale, but when he sees his brother in trouble, William does what he does best. A tale of sibling rivalry and brotherly love.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conflict between brothers predictably results in tattling to Mama. Students will see themselves or siblings in the misdeeds of the characters. The ending is satisfying as the tattletale and his brother some to a new appreciation for each other. K-2nd grades. Possible mentor text to show change in characters through the course of the story.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a really poorly written book. I would not use it in the classroom or encourage it for children. It confuses the lines of tattle-telling and bullying. The illustrations are poor; the pigs are ugly.

Little pig tells on big pig for everything, some small and some large, but regardless of the offense, mom always gets on to the little brother.

This teaches the children that if you tattle tale, the parent or teacher will respond and person being told on will get in trouble.

The whole reason to teach about tattling is to teach the difference between reporting and tattling. The baby brother tattles about everything and thus gets his way. Not a good lesson.

I just didn't like it.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for books on tattling and found this one with pigs as the main character. Interesting story between brothers with the younger one always tattling on the older one until his help is needed and they become friends again. Pictures were not the reason I liked the book. But the message and the story is a good read aloud.

[Heather Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book. It teaches a common lesson about friendship and getting along. Could be useful for kids in the classroom.

CO: 2006

Genre: Fantasy