Don't Tell Lies, Lucy!

Cautionary Tales

by J McCaferty, Jan McCafferty (Illustrator)

Each tale in this series is a simple rhythmic story designed to introduce very young children to the idea of right and wrong. Each central character discovers in an amusing way the penalty of ignoring warnings to behave properly. It helps to teach children about the consequences of their actions.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2004

Reviews

[Hannah Fay · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story follows Lucy who has a problem with lying. She lies to everyone about everything! Broken windows, broken vases, damaged bikes and more! Throughout the whole beginning of the book you learn about everyone who Lucy has lied to including parents, aunts, and friends! At the end of the book a huge wave comes and wipes out everything. Lucy's parents and friends warn her to run away but Lucy thinks that they are lying. She gets swept away and is stuck floating on the water while everyone else lands safe on an island. The book ends with the moral being that "Thats the trouble with those who lie, they think the rest of us lie too."
I did not enjoy this book very much. I did not feel that there was a real and applicable lesson to be taken away. Although it shows not to lie, it does not show it in a realistic way. It has a harsh ending as the family is no concerned that Lucy gets lost. It is a silly book but for a topic like lying that all children need to learn about I think there should be a real lesson about why lying is bad. It should demonstrates how it affects people. This book has a silly ending without much resolution.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how all of Lucy's family, and extended family members are encouraging her to be honest. And I love, Love, LOVE the ending! I love that the author points out that when we lie, we hurt ourselves. When we lie not only do we lose other people's trust in us but we lose our trust in other people. Highly Recommended!!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book until the end when poor Lucy gets swept away and her family didn’t seem to care. I did like the pictures and the creative lies Lucy told.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl who lies about everything. Each time she lies, a different family member gets upset, and warns her that she better stop. Finally, the family is fed up, and all come together to tell Lucy that they can't take it anymore. So a furious Lucy goes to sulk on her bed. Then a humongous wave comes over the city, but she won't believe her father's warnings.
(SPOILER ALERT)
The wave carries her (and her bed) from her house out to sea. Karma.
This book was alright. I liked it's playful tone. Also, the lies that Lucy would come up with were silly and random. One especially fun aspect of the book was it's rhyme pattern. The lie she'd come up with would rhyme with the family member who was upset. It would be fun to read aloud to a class.
This book could be used to teach children about the dangers of lying, as well as the joys of rhyming.

[Jesse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Billy bullies his classmates, Lucy tells her family lies and Jack takes whatever he wants. See what happens to each of them in these amusing cautionary tales that warn of the perils of behaving badly. A cautionary tale for children everywhere to warn of the perils of behaving badly and not doing what you're told.

I purchased this book sight-unseen. What I was hoping for was a basic book to read to my students about how lying can impact others and the way they see the person who tells the lies. Up to a point this book does do a great job...until the ending. I can't think why they would have an ending of Lucy being swept away because she told lies. Some kids might think it is funny but I don't. I don't feel that it adequately address the consequence of telling lies well. Young children may even worry that this might happen.

[Janina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a girl named Lucy who continuously lies to her family members. If she does something bad, instead of telling the truth, she decides to come up with a grand story to explain how it wasn't her fault. In the end though her lies catch up with her and so do the consequences. This was a good story. I found Lucy's explanations quite funny and the ending was a good way to teach kids about the potential consequences of lying. This book can be used in class to teach a lesson about why you shouldn't lie or even one on one with a student who has been mischievous.

[Cherop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little book for young readers teaching them about the terrible consequences of lying. The pages are nicely illustrated and the author makes great use of font size and capitalization.

I wanted to send this book to a sponsored child in the developing world. While I think the theme/moral of the book is universal, I am not sure that I should send it because of the ending. It might scare a young children without someone to guide him.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains a great message but has a very strong ending. I would say that the ending is not appropriate for the situation and may cause fear in a child who doesn't understand the difference between real and make believe. You can purchase this book at my Independent Consultant site: www.ubah.com/s2995

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains a great message but has a very strong ending. I would say that the ending is not appropriate for the situation and may cause fear in a child who doesn't understand the difference between real and make believe. You can purchase this book at my Independent Consultant site: www.ubah.com/s2995

[Molly Schoonover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helps demonstrate children's vivid imaginaitons, but also teaches a valuable lesson- not to lie. The ending of the story also shows that people who lie will be punished and further emphasizes nobody should lie. A good book with a good lesson.

[Liz Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lucy keeps lying and in the end, she thinks everyone else lies, too.. the consequences are real.

I wonder how young "literal" minds will take the ending here, with Lucy being washed out to sea.. Kind of a funny ending.

[Kevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cautionary tale for children everywhere to warn of the perils of behaving badly and not doing what you're told.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My boys love these books! I think they could be written a little better though.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

or a Tsunami might come and take you away from your family.... yikes. Libby liked it though.

[Haley Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy has a very impressive imagination, and that shouldn't be discouraged! A child making up fairytales using their imagination is not the same as lying!

[Meliny Pond]

Lucy is constantly lying and she gets in a lot of trouble. When she gets in trouble she runs up to her room and pouts. The house is about to get swallowed by a big wave and Lucy is still in the house because she doesn't believe her family. Finally, she gets swept away on her bed and finally learns to not lie.

This book was hilarious! Lucy is so funny and outrageous.

This book would be great for teaching kids about being truthful.