Customer Reviews

Don't Laugh at Me (Reading Rainbow Book)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used the accompanying CD to read-aloud the book and my first grade students were immediately drawn in and enthralled with both the book and the music. The least sensitive child in my class who is the first to call other students names was listening with a peaceful and loving expression of compassion and serenity on his face. Listening to the song launched some wonderful discussions when I asked students to recall and share about their feelings when someone called them names, and then to recall and share about their feelings when they called someone else names. I was overwhelmed when one of my students realized and shared that the reason that she called people names was because she was angry with them. We were able to use this as a springboard for conflict resolution and ways to share our feelings without hurting someone else's.

I recently bought this book for my three grandchildren. It was an instant hit as it taught them about the pain caused by laughing at people. It is a must read for children as well as adults. We all forget how hard it is to be the square peg in the round hole and little reminders like this book keep us compassionate, tolerant, and kinder.
The CD that came with the book was an added surprise that I found to be heartwarming.
I highly recommend this book, especially when used in a classroom.

I first heard the song "Don't laugh at me" through Challenge Day, and the impact of the song on the young people present was huge. I was delighted to find that there was a book version of this uplifting message. The fact that the lyric-writer uses words that stereotype in his message is not an indictment of those who may [or may not] fit that category - it's an indictment of those who name-call and stereotype. My 5 year old understands the deeper meaning of the song/book in a way that, sadly, many adults fail to. If we listen to our children, they will tell us what we need to know, that teasing and name calling is wrong and they are counting on us to intervene. That's the true intention of this darling book. As a "secular" parent, I am not at all turned off by the suggestion that "in God's eyes we're all the same/someday we'll all have perfect wings." It can simply be an analogy that each of us perfect in the eyes of any loving parent or friend.

This is one fun book and should be of a little help to kids that feel alienated. And, who hasn't felt that way at least once in their lives?
The illustrations liven up each page and keep you interested all the way through the book.
Very pleasurable!

I found this book by accident and am very happy I did. My 10 year old daughter read this and loved it. I have since shared it with many friends and professionals. There are so many other books about bullying and teasing available, but this one is so beautiful in its' simplicity. The message is loud and clear. This should be a mainstay in every school library.

Don't Laugh at Me is one of the most meaningful books I have used with my students in a long time. The sensitive material about humanity is handled beautifully. The illustrations are an excellent addition to the book. Every child from the ages of four to thirteen has been spellbound by the beauty of the song, the pictures and the elequence of their message.
Marilyn Cohen
Music Specialist
K-8

This is a wonderful book for teaching tolerance and kindness to children, and adults! The CD is super too!

This book is recomended for all ages. I think that this book teaches everyone a vauble lesson. Laughing and making fun of someone is not nice to do. but, some people do it anyway. It makes you think twice about your words and actions toward other people who are different than you. Nobody would like it if it happened to them. So i think that this is a great book that everyone needs to read. Everyone who does read this book will enjoy it a lot. So i hope you will read and enjoy this book Don't Laugh At Me!!!

This book is an adaptation of a song which has become the anthem for Operation Respect, an educational program. The message of the book is that everyone is different and such differences should be respected. No one likes to be laughed at. This picture book is wonderful for teaching young children the values of respect and tolerance.

This is a wonderful book! This book is an absolute must have for anyone in education. The music CD that comes with the book is fantastic!