A funny children's picture book about critical thinking, questioning what we hear, recognizing nonsense, and thinking carefully about what's true, for curious kids ages 4–8.
Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favourite, 2025
There once was a very clever kid who heard all kinds of strange stories from the people around her.
She listened carefully.
She took note.
She thought about them for a bit…
…and then decided they were a big bunch of nonsense.
That's What They Said is a funny and playful children's book about the tall tales, wild claims, and questionable stories that grown-ups sometimes tell little thinkers.
But it's also about something much more important: learning to think carefully about what we hear and deciding for ourselves what makes sense.
Young readers are encouraged to ask questions, look for reasons, notice when something doesn't add up, and think critically about whether a story is believable, rather than simply accepting something because somebody said it was true.
And, of course, there's plenty of room for kids to spin a few yarns of their own.
Written by award-winning author and public philosopher Amy Leask, That's What They Said gives children a playful introduction to critical thinking, questioning, reasoning, and evaluating claims, while encouraging lively conversations between kids and the adults in their lives.
Critical thinking and careful reasoning
Questioning things they hear
How to tell the difference between a claim and a fact
Recognizing nonsense, exaggeration, and tall tales
Asking “How do you know?”
Thinking about evidence and reasons
Not accepting something simply because someone says it
Making up stories and recognizing when a story is just a story
Talking with others about big questions
Curious kids ages 4–8
Children who love asking “Why?” and “How do you know?”
Parents who want to encourage thoughtful conversations
Teachers introducing critical thinking and reasoning
Classrooms exploring questions, claims, evidence, and truth
Families who enjoy humorous books with ideas to discuss together
Young philosophers who aren't afraid to question what they're told
And check out the free downloadable lesson plan that goes with it!
Recommended age: 4–8
Format: Paperback
Pages: 39
Subjects: Critical Thinking · Reasoning · Questioning · Truth · Claims & Evidence · Philosophy
Big Questions: How do you know? Should you believe everything you're told? What makes something true?
A funny children's picture book about critical thinking, questioning what we hear, recognizing nonsense, and thinking carefully about what's true, for curious kids ages 4–8.
Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favourite, 2025
There once was a very clever kid who heard all kinds of strange stories from the people around her.
She listened carefully.
She took note.
She thought about them for a bit…
…and then decided they were a big bunch of nonsense.
That's What They Said is a funny and playful children's book about the tall tales, wild claims, and questionable stories that grown-ups sometimes tell little thinkers.
But it's also about something much more important: learning to think carefully about what we hear and deciding for ourselves what makes sense.
Young readers are encouraged to ask questions, look for reasons, notice when something doesn't add up, and think critically about whether a story is believable, rather than simply accepting something because somebody said it was true.
And, of course, there's plenty of room for kids to spin a few yarns of their own.
Written by award-winning author and public philosopher Amy Leask, That's What They Said gives children a playful introduction to critical thinking, questioning, reasoning, and evaluating claims, while encouraging lively conversations between kids and the adults in their lives.
Critical thinking and careful reasoning
Questioning things they hear
How to tell the difference between a claim and a fact
Recognizing nonsense, exaggeration, and tall tales
Asking “How do you know?”
Thinking about evidence and reasons
Not accepting something simply because someone says it
Making up stories and recognizing when a story is just a story
Talking with others about big questions
Curious kids ages 4–8
Children who love asking “Why?” and “How do you know?”
Parents who want to encourage thoughtful conversations
Teachers introducing critical thinking and reasoning
Classrooms exploring questions, claims, evidence, and truth
Families who enjoy humorous books with ideas to discuss together
Young philosophers who aren't afraid to question what they're told
And check out the free downloadable lesson plan that goes with it!
Recommended age: 4–8
Format: Paperback
Pages: 39
Subjects: Critical Thinking · Reasoning · Questioning · Truth · Claims & Evidence · Philosophy
Big Questions: How do you know? Should you believe everything you're told? What makes something true?
Watch the trailer here!
