I Told a Little Lie

Morality tales often feel dour or weighty, but this one is relentlessly light. You can make mistakes, Henderson reminds readers, but you have the power to fix them. The whole book has a similarly airy feel, from the dazzling, midcentury art–inspired illustrations in a matte palette, with colorful bursts of amber, coral, and cerulean, to the frequent perspective changes that help readers empathize with the young protagonist. Smart touches, like the ants’ droll dialogue and the funky, slightly off-kilter typeface, add to the quirkiness. Fresh, funny, and as sweet as vanilla buttercream frosting.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The lie of omission can be a difficult concept for young children, but Henderson approaches it with clarity and gentle humor. . . . Henderson skillfully captures the way small misunderstandings escalate, resolving the story in a reassuring, child-friendly way. The mixed-media illustrations amplify the rising excitement, with scattered bits of dialogue showing the ants’ busy chatter.
—School Library Journal