Be Honest, Jess Shared Reading Book

Jess and her brother accidentally break a vase, and then comes the harder task: telling Mom the truth. This short Newmark Learning picture book walks kindergarteners through that familiar internal tension with warmth and simplicity, landing on the relief that honesty brings. For a faith-family household or an early elementary classroom, the message is exactly right — honesty is framed as a virtue, not just a rule. The scenario is relatable and the shared-reading format makes it easy for teachers and parents to use together. The honest caveat is that this is an instructional tool more than a story: the narrative exists to deliver the lesson, not the other way around. Functional, friendly, and appropriate for its purpose — just don't expect literary staying power.