Best Kids Books About Lying (2026): 5 Picks Compared

When a child is caught in a fib, the best kids books about lying do the explaining for you: a character messes up, feels bad, and makes it right. This list is for parents and teachers who want that conversation in story form. We compared five picture books by topic fit, stated contents, value, and listed reading age or grade.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Pig the Fibber by Blabey	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Ruthie and the Tiny Lie by Rankin	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	I Didn't Do It! by Graves	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Honesty Makes Me Stronger by Cole	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Dishonest Ninja by Nhin	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Pig the Fibber by Blabey

Aaron Blabey·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 32-page picture book about a pug who fibs, for preschool and kindergarten readers.

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Pros

• 32 pages, per the listing
• Grade level Preschool to Kindergarten stated
• Reading age 3 to 6 years stated

Cons

• Reading age from customers only
• Published 2018
• No series position stated

2

Ruthie and the Tiny Lie by Rankin

Laura Rankin·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 32-page picture book about Ruthie, a teeny tiny camera, and a lie that grows.

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Pros

• 32 pages, per the listing
• Lying handled with gentleness and humor, per the description
• Reading age 3 to 5 years and grade Preschool and up stated

Cons

• Reading age from customers only
• Published 2007
• No series information stated

3

I Didn't Do It! by Graves

Sue Graves·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 28-page book about Poppy, who doesn't tell the truth and feels bad.

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Pros

• 28 pages, per the listing
• Our Emotions and Behavior series, per the title
• Reading age 4 to 8 years and grade Preschool to 3 stated

Cons

• Published 2013
• 28 pages, the shortest here
• No series position stated

4

Honesty Makes Me Stronger by Cole

Elizabeth Cole·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 30-page book about lying, telling the truth and building trust.

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Pros

• 30 pages, per the listing
• Covers lying, truth-telling and trust, per the title
• Reading age 3 to 8 years stated

Cons

• No grade level stated
• No series information stated
• 30 pages, shorter than two picks here

5

Dishonest Ninja by Nhin

Mary Nhin·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 29-page book about a ninja who lies and learns how good the truth feels; book 13 of the Ninja Life Hacks series.

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Pros

• 29 pages, per the listing
• Book 13 of the Ninja Life Hacks series
• Reading age 3 to 11 years stated

Cons

• No grade level stated
• 3 to 11 span fits no single age closely
• Published 2020

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More picks to compare

• Liar, Liar by PaulsenFor older kids 8 to 12; a 128-page novel about deception.Check on Amazon
• Be Honest Please by RowntreeFor toddlers and kids 3 to 7 learning to tell the truth.Check on Amazon
• It Wasn't Me! by CarrollFor kids 8 to 12; a 42-page story about honesty.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where given. All five state a reading age, three add a grade level, and two reading ages are marked as from customers. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best kids books about lying

Match the age on the listing to your child

Reading ages run from 3 to 5 years for Ruthie up to 3 to 11 years for Dishonest Ninja, so check the listing against your child. Two reading ages are marked as from customers, meaning other buyers suggested them. The feelings list has more books for big emotions.

Pick the lesson shape: funny or gentle

Pig the Fibber stars a pug who fibs, Ruthie handles lying with gentleness and humor, and I Didn’t Do It! follows Poppy learning to tell the truth. The empathy list has more in this vein.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age against your child: 3 to 5 years up to 3 to 11 years here.
• Check the grade level where stated: Preschool to Kindergarten through Preschool to 3.
• Check the page count and series: 28 to 32 pages, and Dishonest Ninja is book 13 of the Ninja Life Hacks series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are these books for?

Reading ages run from 3 to 5 years up to 3 to 11 years; check the listing against your child.

Which book is best for a preschooler?

Ruthie lists a reading age of 3 to 5 years, marked as from customers, and a grade level of Preschool and up.

Are these part of series?

Dishonest Ninja is book 13 of the Ninja Life Hacks series; Pig the Fibber is a Pig the Pug book. The others state no series position.

Still deciding? Our top pickPig the Fibber by Blabey

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Related lists

See every Picture Books list and all Kids and Teens lists.

More lists: kindness, sharing, empathy and pirates.