Book Review & Giveaway: Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back - A Tale About Telling the Truth

I think one of the most frustrating issues for parents to deal with is dishonesty. We try to teach children that their situation or problem would be handled much more easily if they are honest up front. Most often, we speak from experience. We remember what it was like to get caught lying as a child, the anxiety associated with it, and the consequences we received as a result. However, children develop bad habits, are afraid of getting in trouble, and/or are so desperate for others to like them that they will lie – “whoppers” and little white fibs.

Parents across the world are pulling their hair out on a daily basis because of their children’s (and other adults’ for that matter) dishonesty. Reading storybooks with your child is one strategy that can be used to help teach children the impact of the choices they makes and the consequences of those choices.

“Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back: A Tale About Telling the Truth”, writte by Howard Binkow, is a fabulous book that addresses the issue of honesty. Howard B. Wigglebottom is a young bunny that develops the unfortunate habit of lying to friends and family. The expression of “having a monkey on his back” is taught to students as Howard feels the weight growing and growing until he can’t stand it any longer.

This book is a great discussion starter and I will be using this with my students in grades one through three this year during my lessons on honesty. The book does a wonderful job pointing out why Howard lies; for example, to keep his friend from getting into trouble, for attention from his peers, to keep from getting into trouble himself, etc. The illustrations are adorable as well. I think that it is fabulous that the author includes lesson suggestions and discussion questions at the back of the book, which can be used for parents as well as teachers.

Howard B. Wigglebottom is a character in a whole series, which includes the topics of bullying, listening, and dealing with problems. The We Do Listen Foundation’s website is located at www.wedolisten.com. Their website includes free animated books, educational games and activities, songs, lessons, posters, e-cards, and other resources. It is full of information!

Howard Binkow has been generous to offer one Tidbits From A Mom reader the opportunity to win “Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back”! Please see the giveaway details below!

Win It: One reader will win a copy of Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back: A Tale About Telling the Truth.

Mandatory Entry: Please visit the We Do Listen Foundation and come back here and tell me what other Howard B. Wigglebottom book you would like to own.

Bonus Entries:
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This giveaway ends on November 21, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.  I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.