Soft launch Sunday, November 15, 2026 · Bowtieism turns 13
Be True: A Little Book of Big Questions cover banner: a curious child on a flowery hill with a bee in a bow tie, a chicken and an egg under a big tree
The first Bowtieism children's book · Ages 8+

Be True: A Little Book of Big Questions

One commandment. Big questions. Join us for a free family reading on YouTube Live.

Sunday, November 15 · around 2 PM ETFree family reading on YouTube Live
Save my seat See the details ↓
[PLACEHOLDER: YouTube Live link coming soon]
About the book

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

If that question makes your kids grin, you'll love what's coming. On Sunday, November 15, Bowtieism turns 13, and we're celebrating with the soft launch of my first children's book: Be True: A Little Book of Big Questions.

It's a short, illustrated book for curious kids (ages 8+) and their grown-ups. Bowtieism has just one commandment, Be True, and the book turns it into everyday practice: telling the truth kindly, asking "How do you know?", loving the earth (save the bees!), and not taking yourself too seriously. Yes, the Waiter Chicken makes an appearance.

Inside, kids learn the STOP method

A simple way to think things through:

  1. SStop.
  2. TThink.
  3. OObserve the evidence.
  4. PProceed carefully.
Be True illustration: child, bee, chicken and egg on a sunny hill
What's inside

Eleven little chapters, lots of big questions

  1. Hello, Bowtieism!
  2. The One Commandment
  3. What Came First?
  4. How Do You Know?
  5. Nature Wins 100% of the Time
  6. Save the Bees
  7. Everyone Is Welcome
  8. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously
  9. The Best Thing in Life Is Life
  10. You Are Part of Something Huge
  11. Your Bowtieism Journal
Get a head start

Download our free Big Questions page

"What came first?" puzzles, a bee challenge, and a joke from the Waiter Chicken. Print it out and try it at dinner.

What came first?
The chicken or the egg? The seed or the tree? The question or the answer?
Bee Challenge
Plant a flower, put out a shallow dish of water, or learn a bee fact and share it.
Joke Time
A joke from the Waiter Chicken, plus space to write one way you were honest or kind today.
Get the free Big Questions page
[PLACEHOLDER: Big Questions download link coming soon]
Save the date: Sunday, November 15. Free family reading on YouTube Live around 2 PM ET. Ages 8+ and their grown-ups.
Join us live

Free family reading on YouTube Live

  • Sunday, November 15, 2026Bowtieism's 13th anniversary
  • Around 2 PM ETGrab a snack and a comfy spot
  • YouTube LiveFree, for ages 8+ and their grown-ups
Save my seat
[PLACEHOLDER: YouTube Live link coming soon]

Know a teacher, librarian, or homeschool family who'd enjoy this? Share this page. Everyone is welcome.

A note for grown-ups

For parents, teachers & librarians

Bowtieism is a light-hearted, pro-earth philosophy founded by John J. Cannon on November 15, 2013. Its one commandment is "Be True." As John says, "Don't simply believe it. Question it."

This book leaves out politics and is meant to spark curiosity, honesty, kindness, and a love of nature.

Questions? Email jaibeam21@gmail.com.

Don't simply believe it. Question it. Free hugs always (just ask first!).
Be True.
John J. Cannon (Jai Beam)