How to Behave and Why [Hardcover]

Munro Leaf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"No matter where you are or who you are, there are four main things that you have to do if you want to make good friends and keep them.

You have to be HONEST
You have to be FAIR
You have to be STRONG
and you have to be WISE
And there is no good in trying to fool yourself. All that isn't so easy."

In a time when all the rules for raising children have been redefined dozens of times, here is a book for bewildered parents from a simpler time when we all agreed on what was right and what was wrong. First published in 1946, Munro Leaf's How To Behave And Why gives touchingly sincere yet gently funny lessons in Honesty, Fairness, Strength, and Wisdom. Originally intended for the very young, but with meaning for us all, How To Behave and Why is a true classic, charmingly illustrated with childlike drawings, and with a timeless message. It is a sure guide for teaching children (and adults) how to behave.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It's hard to be good. Especially if you don't really know what "being good" means. Munro Leaf, beloved author of The Story of Ferdinand, decided to try his hand at defining good behavior in his 1946 classic How to Behave and Why. The two biggest questions to ask ourselves in life, he says, are "Are most of the people I know glad that I am here?" and "Am I glad that I am here, myself?" If you want to make good friends and keep them, he says, "You have to be HONEST. You have to be FAIR. You have to be STRONG and You have to be WISE." This strangely charming life primer, illustrated with endearing stick figures, goes on to explain why you have to be honest--how handy it is to be trusted, for instance, when you need to borrow money. And if you lie too much, "We can't believe ourselves or anyone else, because we don't really know what the truth is any more than a penguin and that is a stupid way to live." Specific reasons for not being a "lazy lump" or a liar or a cheat are outlined matter-of-factly, as are basic lessons in how to be well and strong. Originally published for the very young (it has an early-reader format with big type and pictures), Leaf's how-to-be-good guidebook will probably be shared among adults as a back-to-basics inspirational book with the same crossover appeal as Sandol Stoddard Warburg's I Like You. A satisfying reflection of a time when what was right and wrong seemed more black and white. (All ages) --Karin Snelson

From Publishers Weekly

How to Behave and Why (1946) by Ferdinand author Munro Leaf offers etiquette lessons from a simpler time that still apply today. He offers examples of the main points (You have to be honest You have to be fair You have to be strong and you have to be wise) throughout. The b&w (and red) illustrations have a nostalgic quality but do not feel dated.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Universe (May 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789306840
• ISBN-13: 978-0789306845
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Manners
  • #35 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Values

More About the Author

Munro Leaf is best known for the Story of Ferdinand, first published in 1936 and a bestseller ever since. He died in 1976 at the age of 71.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars cuts to the bone, October 6, 2003

By 

May May (BETHESDA, MARYLAND United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Behave and Why (Hardcover)

This book is exactly what the title says, How to Behave and Why.
Good advice on character, which, after all, is more important than anything else. The section on Honesty is so true and so concise, no one can argue with it. Mr. Leaf lays out exactly what happens to those who are not honest, fair, strong or wise. No matter what your age, this book gives clarity on the most important aspects of life. I love it. I wish Mr. Leaf's other gem, Manners Can Be Fun, would come back into print asap.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Beats This-- It Stands Alone, July 14, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Behave and Why (Hardcover)

The impact that HOW TO BEHAVE AND WHY had on me is on-going. From my earliest reading memory, My copy--lost along the way-- is a possession I have missed over and over again since it was first published in 1946. Many many regular book searches through the years repeatedly met with no success. So many times I literally pined for this little red book for my children-- especially, even their teen, college, and career years. It's universality is timeless. It's simple truths and stick figures bring impeccablke clarity to the paramount keys to living well in our civilized world. I am so elated to have "searched" this week and FOUND IT RE-PRINTED AT LAST!! Thank you, thank you, for bringing this title back to life. For starters, I just bought 5 copies. Now it's your turn. You will not be disappointed.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bring Back This Book!, January 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Behave and Why (Library Binding)

I was raised with this book as a young child's guide to good manners in any and all situations. It Works! 55 years later I wish I could give this book to my college students. Amazingly, considering its age, this book is still appropriate to the diverse, multicultural 21st Century.
If you have children, are a teacher, or just want to polish your own manners, take a look at a book that got it right in the 1950s. Highly recommended.