Goops and How to Be Them (Timeless Classics) [Paperback]

Gelett Burgess (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Timeless Classics

Classic tongue-in-cheek etiquette book for children demonstrates old-fashioned virtues: courtesy, generosity, neatness, more. 90 illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A personal childhood favorite, this old-fashioned combination of poems and line drawings is funny, timeless, and wise. A sample: "The Goops they talk while eating, and loud and fast they chew, and that is why I'm glad that I am not a Goop. Are you?"

Other verses include "Borrowing" ("Didn't you say they were borrowed? You'd better take back just a few. If you lent your playthings, I think you would say things' If no one returned them to you"), "Patience," and "Honesty."

Though nowadays these basic virtues are seldom spoken of by name outside of Sunday school, the Goops's humor and alien-like illustrations kill any inclination toward the saccharine. Instead, we find a cheerful, reasonable description of how to remain Goop-free, at least until adulthood.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486222330
• ISBN-13: 978-0486222332
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,216,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable!, April 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Goops and How to Be Them (Timeless Classics) (Paperback)

It's been at least 20 years since I've read this book and I can still remember verses: 'Goops they lick their fingers, Goops they lick their knives...'. Maybe this book was responsible for my life-long interest (obsession) in manners. Glad I found it here.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love the goops! Best method for teaching children manners!, April 25, 2000

By 

"iloveprovence" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Goops and How to Be Them (Timeless Classics) (Paperback)

As a first grade teacher, there are so many things that we are required to teach our children, that sometimes you just want to pull your hair out! Character Education is one of the most recent obligations of public school education, and there is now a hardy list of curriculums to be reckoned with. The Goops is the best instruction a teacher can use! It is reverse psychology at its best! The children absolutely adore them, but don't want "to be them!" I loved this book as a child, my own little boy adored them, and my first grade students learn from them. The best thing about this book is that creative teachers can utilize these characters in the entire gamut of education, thereby helping our children to internalize the importance of manners in creating a satisfying and happy life. Thanks so much, Mr. Gellett !

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars hilarious, August 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Goops and How to Be Them (Timeless Classics) (Paperback)

I laughed at everything growing up and still do; right from the heart. It was read to me in 3rd grade by the teacher and I was the one the teacher had to reprimand because I could never stop laughing whenever she read it. I suppose I was the reason why she never continued! To those of you who have a sense of humor, enjoy.