Description The 'Gilbut Children Philosophy Picture Book Series' presents everyday questions that arise in children's lives from many different angles, using rich illustrations to encourage kids to explore and expand their thinking on their own. The first book in the series is The Lie. Why do people tell lies? What exactly is a lie? "They say lying is the beginning of stealing, but is there really anyone who never lies?" The question that greets you as soon as you open the book gives you a bit of a start. Has anyone ever gone through life without telling a single lie? Everyone lies sometimes. In the story, when the main character's little sibling breaks a plate, they wonder whether to tell their mom the truth. But it turns out Mom wears a fake pearl necklace and tells people she's younger than she really is when she goes out. The main character, too, wets the bed and then lies, saying they spilled water instead. Even a friend lies, claiming their dad is the president. Come to think of it, the sets on TV dramas are fake houses, and the food displayed outside restaurants is just plastic models. So why do people lie in the first place, and what does it even mean to lie? Lying is bad, so why does Mom lie? Adults teach children that lying is wrong, yet they lie themselves. And when they get caught, they're met with the question, "Why do you lie, Mom?" A lie is certainly not the truth, but sometimes people lie to protect someone else's feelings — just like the main character in this book, who tells Mom her cooking is delicious even when it isn't. Some children say they like a gift even when they don't, just to spare someone's feelings. These kinds of lies are often called 'white lies' or 'well-meaning lies.' Adults tend to separate good lies from bad ones, but for children, it isn't always easy to know when it's okay to lie. The Lie shows both sides of lying without drawing a firm line between what's right or wrong, allowed or not allowed. A picture book that keeps the conversation—and the questions—going As children grow out of early childhood, they gradually begin to tell lies. Most of the lies children tell are for fun, made after a mistake, told to avoid being scolded, or meant to help someone else. They're harmless, even endearing little lies. Because of this, children lie easily and rarely stop to think deeply about why they did it. Rather than declaring what a lie is once and for all, The Lie asks questions like "What is a lie?" and "What does it mean to be human?" — inviting children to think it through for themselves. Looking around us, we find even more kinds of necessary, situational lies than what's shown in this book. Instead of simply scolding a child for lying, why not read The Lie together and talk about what each of you thinks about lying? The Lie is a philosophy picture book that becomes even more enjoyable when children and adults read it together, asking each other questions and sharing answers. Captivating art from Mirocomachiko, winner of Japan's Picture Book Award A cover with a bright blue background, pouring rain, and two startled people holding a bright red umbrella immediately catches the eye. Illustrator Mirocomachiko draws children into the story with her bold, unrestrained brushstrokes, vivid contrasting primary colors, and dynamic, energetic art. Much like the image of the dark, wicked queen offering a bright red apple to snow-white Snow White, the intense primary colors and exaggerated illustrations bring the philosophical theme of 'lying' vividly to life. The concise yet witty text leaves plenty of room for children to think freely about lying. On the back cover, you'll spot a cat standing on a long hose. What could it mean? Go back and take another look at the front cover you may have passed over without a second thought — you might just find yourself smiling. Be sure to search for the playful lie hidden in the book's cover together with your child.