Customer Reviews

The Golden Rule

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

What a lovely, pensive, ethical book for children. Through the love of a gentle grandfather and a tot (boy), primary readers learn about the golden rule in a multi-cultural way. The two characters are out walking when they see the golden rule, in both its do and do not form, on various signs. The child asks and the adult explains in warm, comprehensible language that this is a rule that promotes civility and morality between people and nations. He explains it is golden because it is so valuable a way of living that your life shines. He encourages the boy to use his imagination to understand; the boy empathetically puts himself in various age appropriate situations, showing concretely that he (and the reader) gets it. The grandfather explains that many religions promote this rule with Judaism being second after Christianity (ouch, the Jewish bible came first and double ouch, the art gives Christianity a half page color spread while Judaism is reduced to two small square sketches of symbols). The child understands this rule is simple, but not easy, to carry out and that it starts with each person. The lesson is delivered without didacticism and with smashingly gorgeous art; the layout is sophisticated and the muted colors mix grey and white drawings with the active color spreads. This book is not Jewish, but it contains a Jewish teaching that is so valuable this stunning volume, its warts to be noted, is recommended for children from 5 to 8 years old. Reviewed by Ellen Cole

I really hate to say anything negative about this book, because one can easily see the point is to promote tolerance between countries as well as individuals. The dialogue between the grandfather and grandson is heartwarming and realistic. However, the specifics of how each world religion says the same thing seems to be too much for small children. The older child that will actually be interested in what other religions have to say will not be as interested in the simplistic way that the rest of the dialogue proceeds.
I bought this as a Christmas present for my 3, 4 and 5-year-old grandchildren, but after reading it myself, I decided to wait until they are older to read it to them.

The golden rule was a big thing when I was growing up. I remember hearing it frequently at an early age in school and from my parents. Guess what? It left a huge moral impression on me then and now. It has helped me be a better friend, student, daughter, and sister. So when I found this contemporary beautiful book a few years ago, I was delighted.

I've been reading The Golden Rule for a few years now to the students. Many kids had never even heard of the golden rule. Gasp! It's a way of thinking I'd like to see more kids using to solve friendship and bullying problems. There is a simplicity about it that I love and appeals to children. Kids are searching for meaningful ways to become better human beings. They are like sponges when I read this book and want to learn how to apply it to their daily lives. The golden rule has been around forever and I hope to help pass it on to our younger generations.

Ilene Cooper's book, The Golden Rule, is a wonderful book for children and for parents, anxious to teach theirchildren the values of the golden rule : "Treat others the way you would like to be treated". The central theme of the book is that the Golden Rule is not just for Christians, but is found in nearly every religion. The characters then explore what it means to practise the Golden Rule. Beautifully illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska, this book will become a future childhood treasure and is a "must" addition to any child's library.

This is well-written and beautifully illustrated. It is very appropos for these times, as it points out that if everyone, including governments of all the countries, practiced the golden rule, there would truly be peace on earth--certainly no more war or violence. It is all-inclusive and respectful of many of the religions/spiritual beliefs of the world. My 6-yr.-old daughter loves it as much as my 2nd graders where I teach.

I ordered this book to help me teach my 6-year-old son about basic, traditionally religious, concepts of morality. I am not at all disappointed. As agnostic/atheist parents who were raised in Christian households, we often struggle with finding the right language to explain morals and values without the "jesus/god said so" that we were taught. This book has given us that language, and then some. The artwork is engaging - I often find my son staring at one page for a very long time, absorbing the detail and beauty of the illustrations. And the story is absolutely breathtaking. We all find ourselves discovering new angles to discuss each time we read it. And isn't that what it's about? Starting the conversation? Thank you to the author and the artist for a fantastic book.

This is a lovely introduction to compassion and empathy. It also introduces world religions, as the Grandpa in the story explains to his grandson how the golden rule is represented in six different religions. When I read this to my daughter, the real-world examples triggered lots of questions, particularly the picture of a sad little girl on her first day in a new school. "What would make her feel better?" asks the Grandpa in the book, and my real-life listener had plenty of ideas - "smile at her", "give her a toy", "show her the library", and more.