Using the story of George Washington and the cherry tree as inspiration, school children realize that the lessons they learn about honesty extend beyond the skit they perform. Paired with the class know-it-all, Phillip, and bossy Margaret, Gilbert decides that instead of playing George Washington or his father, he would prefer to play the part of the cherry tree. Unfortunately, because Phillip and Margaret cannot decide who will get the starring role, they must draw names—and Gilbert draws the part of George. Nervous about messing up his lines, Gilbert practices at every opportunity. At lunch, “I cannot tell a lie. It is peanut butter and jelly!” In math class, “I cannot tell a lie. The answer is twelve.” His newfound honesty is tested, though when Gilbert takes home the hat from his costume and leaves it there by mistake. Finding that practicing lines is easier than practicing honesty, Gilbert tries to get out of trouble. Almost allowing another classmate to take the blame for the missing hat, Gilbert is soon caught in his lie and learns a powerful lesson. Amusing illustrations of the menagerie of animals that make up the classroom population accompany this tale with a moral message. Readers who have enjoyed Gilbert’s earlier exploits will look forward to more from this remarkably human opossum. (Picture book. 5-8)
