Tattle Tails is a must-read children’s book written by Stacy Byous, Ph.D and illustrated by Maddie Kimber. It beautifully highlights the difference between tatting and telling.
Table of Contents
Review
The line between tatting and telling is quite blurry. Sometimes, even adults find it hard to differentiate between the two, let alone children. Children often can’t resist telling on others just to get them in trouble. This hurts others’ feelings, leading to loss of friendships. It is the responsibility of adults to make children understand that tatting is not a good habit. At the same time, we need to instill in them the importance of telling an adult immediately if someone is in trouble or if something of significance happens. Making the difference between tatting and telling clear is no easy feat. Stacy Byous’ Tattle Tails makes this process simpler and fun.
In Tattle Tails, we meet two siblings named Skylar and Brodie. Though they love each other, they have a penchant for tatting. Their parents try their best to explain the difference between tatting and telling. Things take a turn when their teacher calls to inform them that the children’s habit of tattling was getting out of hand. They were constantly telling on their friends. Skylar and Brodie’s parents sit them down and explain to them the difference between tatting and telling once again. Though the children understand their mistake, they are not able to control their urge to tattle. That night, the siblings had a hard time sleeping. The next morning, Brodie has a brilliant idea. Skylar and Brodie decide to get a Tattle Tail.
What is a Tattle Tail? How will it help the siblings and stop them from tattling?
Penned by Stacy Byous, Ph.D and illustrated by Maddie Kimber, Tattle Tails is a must-read children’s book. Though this is Byous’ debut picture book, her experience as a longtime educator is evident. Inspired by her two children and three pups, she has made her book immensely relatable for both children and their caregivers. She has successfully brought to paper the daily struggles of raising children. At the same time, she has made sure to show us the fun parts. Her flowing writing style is easy to understand, which is very important for a children’s book. I also have to mention the interactive nature of this book. It invites us to give our Tattle Tail its own name. The book also allows us to ask questions to children and understand their thought processes.
Maddie Kimber is a talented illustrator. She has brought the story to life with her vivid illustrations. The pictures are vibrant and go beautifully with the story. These illustrations are really handy as they keep children glued to the book.
At the end of Tattle Tails, we are provided with a section named “How To Use The Book”. I found this section to be very helpful. In five simple steps, we are shown how to use the book to its full potential. I believe Byous’ experience as an educator has come to play here.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading Tattle Tails, written by Stacy Byous, Ph.D and illustrated by Maddie Kimber. I even read it to my toddler sister, who learned a lot from it. I highly recommend Tattle Tails to all children, parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers.
About the Author
Stacy Byous is an educator and children’s author. She wrote Tattle Tails using classroom and parenting experience. The story draws on life with her children and dogs. She lives in Atlanta. She co-created the song “Warrior,” an Atlanta Kidz Choice Awardz winner. She conducts school and library visits.
Book Details
- Title: Tattle Tails
- Author: Stacy Byous, Ph.D
- Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book
- Theme: Moral, Pets, Children, Life
- Publication Date: March 18, 2026
- ISBN or ASIN: B0GSXXWYFT
- Number of Pages: 40
- Minimum Audience Age: 3
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 0
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 0
- Other adult themes: 0
Children’s Book Features
- Good role models for younger ones: Yes
- Moral values: Yes
- Good social manners: Yes
- Age-appropriate language and topics: Yes
- Age-appropriate illustrations: Yes
- Gained the approval of a licensed educator or professionals in a relevant field: Not specified by the author
- Based on scientifically-proven data or similar information: Not specified by the author
- Produced through industry-standard research processes: Not specified by the author
- Other relevant information:
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 5 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 5 out of 5
Disclaimer: The content provided by The Chrysalis BREW Project is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in our reviews and articles are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Chrysalis BREW Project. We strive for accuracy, but we cannot guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. External links are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult professionals as needed. The use of our content is at your own discretion. Please read our full disclaimer version as well as other relevant policies, terms, and conditions on the links below for more details.
Important Reads: About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer and Disclosure
For more posts like this, here’s the link: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/category/bookish-posts/.
Share this:
Discover more from The Chrysalis BREW Project
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Wow. I had never thought about how I learned the difference between tattling and teling. We often tell children not to tell lies, as we should, but not tattling is also and important social skill.
This editorial review highlights the impressive depth and quality of Dr. Stacy Byous’s work!