Honesty Is the Best Policy

A funny, thoughtful, and relatable picture book that helps kids navigate tricky situations and discover the power of telling the truth--perfect for ages 3-7.

Everyone makes mistakes. Maybe you broke or lo

We all make mistakes--accidents happen, jokes go too far, or something gets lost or broken. So what do you do when you’re worried about getting in trouble? Should you own up... or stay quiet?

In Honesty Is the Best Policy, children’s author and illustrator Heath McKenzie brings the classic adage to life with warmth, wit, and a whole lot of humor. Through laugh-out-loud scenarios and expressive illustrations, young readers are gently guided through the idea that while telling the truth isn’t always easy, it’s always the right thing to do.

This engaging story empowers children to take responsibility for their actions, even when it feels hard, and shows how honesty builds trust, strengthens friendships, and helps everyone grow.

Key Features:

• Teaches the Value of Honesty: Helps kids understand why being truthful--even when it’s difficult--is important and rewarding.
• Encourages Accountability and Integrity: Supports conversations about taking ownership, apologizing, and making things right.
• Relatable, Real-Life Scenarios: Perfect for helping children handle everyday dilemmas with confidence and character.
• Ideal for SEL Lessons and Family Reading: Great for homes, classrooms, and libraries to spark important discussions around values and personal growth.

Part of the beloved Life Lessons series, Honesty Is the Best Policy, brings a time-honored saying to life with heart and humor--reminding kids (and grown-ups) that telling the truth takes courage, and that’s something to be proud of.

About the Life Lessons Series:
The Life Lessons series by Heath McKenzie takes timeless sayings and transforms them into fun, engaging picture books that help children make sense of the world around them. With humor, warmth, and relatable storytelling, each title explores a well-known adage--like ＂You get what you get and you don’t get upset＂ or ＂Honesty is the best policy＂--through everyday situations kids face at home, at school, and with friends. These playful yet meaningful books are perfect for introducing social-emotional learning topics in a way that’s accessible, age-appropriate, and truly enjoyable for young readers and grown-ups alike.

Heath McKenzie lives and works in a very small suburb in Melbourne, Australia and has worked with numerous clients and publishers worldwide. Along with illustration (which he’s been doing professionally since 2003) and writing (which he’s been getting away with since 2013) he’s managed to sneak in the odd bit of design work along the way.

When not drawing he’s busily helping raise a little family with his lovely wife, collecting an unnecessary amount of toys and books and occasionally attempting ambitious culinary feats in the kitchen.
He also enjoys possibly a bit too much tea.