Theodore and the Talking Mushroom

From four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni, this classic fable is a quirky conversation-starter about honesty. Theodore, a little mouse, lives with a lizard that can grow a new tail, a frog that can swim underwater, and a turtle that can close up like a box. But Theodore has no special talents of his own. When he discovers a mushroom that says “Quirp,” Theodore tells his friends that this is the only talking mushroom in the world, and that “quirp” means that he should be venerated above all animals. The word spreads, and Theodore is bestowed with a crown—until the truth comes out. When his friends learn that they’ve been deceived, Theodore discovers that he does have a special talent—running away very fast! This tall tale provides an excellent starting-point for discussions of honesty.