About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a high-pressure situation, like a school performance, and is struggling with the temptation to deflect blame when things go wrong. In this relatable school story, Gilbert the opossum is terrified of making a mistake during his George Washington play. When a vital prop disappears, his anxiety turns into an unfair accusation against a friend. This story beautifully captures the physical sensation of guilt (the butterflies) and the courage it takes to admit to a lie. It is an excellent tool for teaching children that mistakes are manageable, but honesty is what truly saves the day. Perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating early social accountability and performance anxiety.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A 6-year-old who is prone to perfectionism or who has recently told a 'defensive lie' to avoid getting in trouble at school.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. Parents might want to pause when Gilbert first blames Philip to ask, 'How do you think Gilbert is feeling in his tummy right now?' The parent may have just witnessed their child blame a sibling or friend for something they lost or broke, or noticed their child becoming physically withdrawn due to performance anxiety.
Age Experience
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the slapstick elements and the missing hat, while older children (6-8) will deeply resonate with the internal social pressure of the classroom and the moral dilemma of the lie.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books on 'honesty' that feel preachy, deGroat uses the historical context of George Washington (the icon of honesty) to create a funny, ironic, and gentle mirror for the child's own experience.
Read plot summary
Gilbert is cast as George Washington in the class play about the cherry tree. Paralyzed by the fear of forgetting his lines or making a mistake, he becomes hyper-focused on his performance. When his tricorne hat goes missing, he impulsively blames his classmate Philip. As the lie grows and the guilt begins to weigh on him, Gilbert must decide whether to stay silent or admit his mistake and apologize to his friend.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Gilbert was very worried about being perfect in the play. Why do you think being 'perfect' made him more likely to tell a lie?
2
How did Gilbert's body feel when he knew he wasn't telling the truth? Have you ever felt those 'butterflies' or a heavy feeling in your chest?
3
Philip was upset when Gilbert blamed him. How did their friendship change in that moment, and how did Gilbert fix it?
4
George Washington is famous for the story about the cherry tree. Why was it extra hard for Gilbert to be honest while wearing a George Washington costume?
5
If you lose something important, what are three things you can do instead of blaming someone else?
