I Cannot Tell a Lie by Ruth Thompson is a faith-based children’s book written to convey a lesson about lying (duh) and the wonderful benefit of repentance. Jody is a seven-year old girl who inadvertently breaks her mother’s antique cookie jar while getting an afternoon snack. Out of fear, Jody chooses to not disclose this incident to her mother and when confronted with the issue, she plays dumb. Jody’s mother is a wise Christian mother who takes the opportunity to use God’s Word to bring conviction rather than accuse her daughter. Eventually the child comes clean and her mother leads her in a prayer of repentance. After repenting, Jody feels all of her guilt disappear and her joy return.
As a mother myself who has addressed the issues of repentance with my child, I really appreciate that Thompson did not simply have the child pray for forgiveness, but she also asked to be changed. So many times I have heard children say sorry or ask for forgiveness, but repentance is not just about forgiveness. Repentance is about change.
Overall, I feel that this is a very well written children’s book. Parents will appreciate it as a teaching tool while at the same time the children will enjoy the sweet illustrations.
