Guelph author Kira Vermond just might be a liar. Her new book for kids around the age of eight to 12 suggests that everybody is, sometimes.
Released on Friday, “Half-Truths and Brazen Lies” suggests that we all lie even though we believe we should always tell the truth.
"It's not just me that says that," said Vermond, who lives in Guelph. "Lot of psychiatrists and psychologists have done lots of studies on this topic, realizing that it's part of the human condition. Like eating, like sleeping, we also lie, too."
Vermond’s latest book, published by Owlkids, is a 48-page, illustrated volume that explores the fascinating human tendency to tell lies and half-truths, suggesting that lying is so much a part of human nature that we often don’t know we’re doing it. The author of several book and hundreds of articles.
Lies are told for a bunch of reasons, including to protect someone you care about, and to make someone feel a little better, the illustrated book suggests. Telling little lies can prevent the telling of even bigger lies at a latter date.
"Human beings start lying when they're about two- or three-years-old," she said. "It's a really good thing when you see that kids are starting to lie, because it means their brains are maturing."
One section of the book advises parents to be a bit more relaxed when their child fibs. It's a sign that cognitive development is moving along at a normal pace.
The book explores for young readers the reasons why we lie, what the consequences of lying are, and when it is OK and maybe necessary to tell a lie. It examines all kinds of different dishonest practices, including forgeries, hoaxes, and plagiarism.
It even questions the accuracy of polygraph tests, which are suppose to catch a person in a lie.
Deception touches many parts of our lives without us knowing it, according to the author. It's not always a negative thing. Lies can actually contribute to the smooth operation of society.
“Half-Truths and Brazen Lies” is illustrated by Clayton Hanmer. The short book offers historical anecdotes and references scientific studies in its examination of the intricate world of untruths.
Vermond is also the author of “The Secret Life of Money,” “Why We Live Where We Live,” and “Growing Up: Inside and Out,” among other volumes for young readers. She is a contributor to numerous publications, including Chatelaine, Globe and Mail, and Today’s Parent.
According to its website, Owlkids publishes entertaining and unique books and magazines that nurture the potential of children, and instill a love of reading and learning in them.
While there may be a societal expectation that when we grow up we get over our lying ways, it doesn't always happen, she said.
"If you're lying a lot and seems to be something you can't seem to stop, that's a problem," she said. "But a lot of lies are actually good. It keeps the wheels greased in society."
The book is available in bookstores everywhere.
