Samantha (known as Sam) is a fisherman's daughter who dreams rich and lovely dreams--moonshine, her father says. But when her tall stories bring disaster to her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs, Sam learns to distinguish between moonshine and reality.

Samantha (known as Sam) is a fisherman's daughter who dreams rich and lovely dreams--moonshine, her father says. But when her tall stories bring disaster to her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs, Sam learns to distinguish between moonshine and reality.

Wow. Well, this book is pretty dark. It’s true though that many children embroider the truth and sometimes things can come of that. Certainly Sam is unkind in her treatment of a boy clearly entranced by her imagination.

She does tell the truth in the end and realize the danger inherent in some of her runaway imaginings.

A cute book about the difference between lies and storytelling. Great for K-3. Rich storytelling and unique illustrations. ( )

Sam lies to everyone all the time. Her friend Thomas believes her stories. While looking for Sam's baby kangaroo at her mermaid mother's house, Thomas gets caught in a storm. Sam realizes the dangers in telling stories all the time.
Themes -- lying, imagination, reality
It would be a good read-aloud book. It is fanciful and has great illustrations. A good book to explain the difference between imagining and lying. ( )