← The Children's Library  /  Honesty

British Children's Books About Honesty

A personal project — every book hand-picked by a London dad 🇬🇧

Stories that celebrate honesty — hand-picked from Britain's rich tradition of children's literature.

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3 hand-picked books

How to use this shelf

Use this shelf when you want stories where honesty is part of the emotional centre, not just a label. The books span ages 3 to 16, so younger children can meet the theme through picture books while older readers can explore it through longer stories.

Burglar Bill book cover
Burglar Bill
Janet Ahlberg
Ages 3–7
Burglar Bill
Janet Ahlberg · Allan Ahlberg
For readers interested in honesty, humour and kindness, compare Burglar Bill by Janet Ahlberg. It is illustrated by Allan Ahlberg. It is a picture book for children aged 3 to 7.
Picture Book1977
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A Monster Calls book cover
A Monster Calls
Patrick Ness
Ages 12–16
A Monster Calls
Patrick Ness · Jim Kay
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a novel for readers aged 12+. It is illustrated by Jim Kay. A useful choice for reading about courage, family, perseverance and honesty.
Novel2011
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My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece book cover
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
Annabel Pitcher
Ages 11–15
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
Annabel Pitcher
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, a novel by Annabel Pitcher, is selected for children aged 11 to 15. Compare it with other books exploring family, resilience and honesty.
Novel2011
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