This book talks about the concept of honesty and the main character, Frank, uses the phrase "honesty is the best policy" very literally. His friends, teacher, principal, and his mother are starting to get annoyed with his frankness, since he tells the honest truth and it starts to hurt their feelings. Frank is sad that his friends and mom and teacher are unhappy with him, so he sets out to Grandpa Ernest to see what wisdom he has to offer. Grandpa Ernest also dealt with being too frank, but he learned how to have a positive twist on matters that he didn't particularly like, such as the neighbor lady's garden hat. He picked on flower that he liked out of the huge bunch to compliment, since it was the truth! Frank quickly learned how to still be honest, but not too harsh.Activity: The student's could create a situation that could end up with one person's feeling being hurt by too much honestly, but they learn how to turn it into a positive situation without lying or being hurtful.Earnhardt, D., & Castellani, A. (2012). Being Frank. Brooklyn, NY: Flashlight Press. Adorable book and love the illustrations! This is a great book for teachers and adults who work or live with kids...especially the ones who haven't quite figured out that honesty is not always the best policy! Frank is always honest....even when his honesty results in hurt feelings for others. Eventually he learns his lesson, of course, and figures out how to be polite without sacrificing his own sense of what truth means. Not only is it great to use for talking to kids about how we can be honest without being hurtful, but it also lets us talk to kids about how our version of "the truth" is not always the "ultimate truth". Kind of goes with the whole "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Highly recommend!
What do You think about Being Frank (2012)?
Teaches a good lesson, that it isn't always necessary to speak your every thought.
—mel3188
A fantastic children's book on being truthful, but with tact. Plus, puns!!!
—Carolyn
Frank was always telling the truth - even the "bad" truths!
—necromancegirl
A cute book about honesty and I think boys will enjoy it.
—heybbygurl
