Lisette’s Lie
by Catharina Valckx

1 out of 5 stars

Lisette and her friend Bobbi decide that it would be funny to tell a lie. They tell Popof that they are going on a trip to the mountains, and show him a mound of dirt as the “mountain”. They laugh when Popof believes them. Popof gets a shovel and digs to make their “mountain” bigger. There is a big hole left over from all the digging. Bobbi wishes the hole were filled with water to make a lake next to their little “mountain”. They ask Popof to fill the hole with water, and pressure him into doing all the work of toting water in a bucket to fill the hole.
They all have fun swimming, sitting by a fire, and singing songs. Lisette tells her mother about her day, and Lisette’s mother laughs and says, “That does sound fun! But you know, Lisette, you mustn’t tell lies…”

I don’t know what is wrong with this book. I don’t understand the moral message at all. Lisette and Bobbie are horrible and selfish and manipulative. They get a sick enjoyment out of lying to others. Poor Popof has to do all the work and they don’t lift a finger to help him. And then the only consequence is that they have a lovely day, and a mild reprimand from Lisette’s mother. What kind of moral message is this? Why did Popof allow them to manipulate and fool him? They are in such a toxic friendship, and poor Popof doesn’t have any good boundaries to stand up to his friends and make them take responsibility for their bad behavior. Why didn’t Lisette and Bobbi get what they deserved?

The blurb on the back literally says “It’s fun making up lies!” What in the world?!?! I’m shocked at the immorality in this book. You would think that a children’s book dealing with a major moral issue like truthfulness would have a strong message against lying, but Lisette has no consequences for her bad behavior.

The only good thing about this book is the cute illustrations.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.