TALL TALES WITH LYMAN THE LIAR, AND ZOOM-BOOM

When a bird lies to get out of helping with the harvest, Zoom-Boom, a scarecrow, berates him in this eighth series picture book.

On the farm, everyone contributes when it’s harvest time—except Lyman, a black-feathered bird with an orange beak. He claims to be sick when there are chores to be done: He has a headache, he’s dizzy, his feathers are falling out, he says. The truth is, he’s perfectly well, but since it’s “not nice to call someone a ‘liar,’ ” according to the narration, it’s better to use the term “tall tale.” In a characteristic rush to help, Zoom-Boom goes to Lyman’s house and discovers him having a wonderful time, listening to music and dancing. “YOU should be ASHAMED!” says Zoom-Boom, and Lyman is. He apologizes and is forgiven. The book ends with a reminder that “it ALWAYS pays to tell the truth ALL of the time, no matter what!” Brown (Theo the Thief With Zoom-Boom and Buttons the Bullfrog, 2018, etc.) softens the overtly moralistic message with a good deal of humor; Lyman’s histrionic protestations of illness are amusing, as is his guilty “ARK!” when caught. Returning illustrator Myers’ lively images are also amusing. However, parents should consider that some experts warn against telling children to be ashamed of themselves, as it can harm their self-image.

A comical but shame-based approach to encouraging honesty.