13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's All in the Telling, September 17, 2007
This review is from: The Golden Rule (Hardcover)
This picture book successfully breaks a rule of writing: that it is better to "show" than to "tell," for it is a conversation, mainly a telling, the grandfather explaining to the child what the Golden Rule is--seeing it first on a wall, then walking along discussing it. He tells the child that in some religions it's stated in the negative, "Do nothing to other people that you would not like having done to you." The boy wonders how he can practice this rule, and the grandfather gives an example: Suppose, he says, you were the new kid in school, how would you feel? "New kids always look scared," says the boy. He and his grandfather decide that smiling at the new kid is applying the Golden Rule.
The conversation takes place as the boy and his grandfather stroll down the street, then sit on a park bench. So it breaks still another rule: children's books need action. Why it works, I believe, is the solemnity of the lesson. The boy is delighted to be the center of attention, to hear important information, ancient information. A child reader will identify with this moment, when something important is being taught, when the boy wants to respond with the proper gravity. "I wonder how things would change if everyone lived by the Golden Rule," says the grandfather. "I think people would be nicer," says the boy. "Kinder."
The pages are beautifully textured with layers of paint and fascinating detail. Beasts and deities of the world's religions float in the background, as if part of the boy's and the grandfather's imaginations. Portraits of the boy and his grandfather are sensitively done, sometimes bleeding off the page, leaving only one side or the top half of a face, giving the effect of capturing a moment.
This "telling" book with lush illustrations will give children and their parents much to discuss and think about.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Treat others..., June 22, 2009
This review is from: The Golden Rule (Hardcover)
A great book to teach children to treat others as they themselves should be treated. Not overly religious in my opinion (and I am pretty secular). It resonated with my daughter.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Timeless story, Fantastic illustration!, November 3, 2007
This review is from: The Golden Rule (Hardcover)
I was searching for all the books that Gabi Swiatkowska illustrated that were available at our library. This one just resonated with us. I'd like to own ALL her books but this is a great start. My daughter is a precocious 5.5, yet the stories were thought provoking and can be reread and rediscussed for a long time as we all know. I loved that they have tried to interpret all the religion's spin on the "Golden Rule". Especially since American public schools now tend to dilute out all religion, or faith, whereas I'd prefer inclusion of all. The illustrations are once again fantastic and add mystery and interest to all of the interpretations respectfully.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
