The Big Bold Lie

Alex Rosen was having a hard time telling the truth. He sometimes couldn't remember the difference between fact and fiction, fact and fantasy, and fact and just a Big Bold Lie. It's not that he meant not to tell the truth, it just got started in his throat and spilled out of his mouth before he could stop it. His parents came up with a BOLD plan to stop Alex, hoping they will never have to use it. But of course they do, and Alex learns a lesson about truth that sticks with him the rest of his life.

“We are taking you to the circus where we will see elephants and lions and clowns to amuse you. What do you think about eating popcorn, cotton candy and soda until you are ready to pop? We are going to get a sitter for the baby and your brother will stay with Grandma, so it will be just you, me and Mom going to the circus. This is Wednesday so just two days from now is Saturday” Alex couldn’t believe his ears. What kind of punishment was this for the lie he told? He only knew that he was very excited and happy to be going to the circus with his parents.

Geraldine Alexander Stockham is married and has 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. She owned and operated an educational child care center in the Atlanta area and is retired from 24 years at the Department of Family and Children's Services. She currently owns and operates a business called Mas ("more" in Spanish) which consists of classes in reading readiness and Spanish that she teaches in various child care centers. She is committed to childhood education and instilling values.