What do you do when your heart bids you take one path but everyone else says take another? In Rules Are Rules, 9-year-old Maya faces this dilemma. With help, she discovers that the answer is neither solely one nor the other but a unique combination of the best from each. Rules Are Rules is a children's book awash with beautiful watercolor illustrations, filled with wit and sensitivity, and offering messages for all ages. As with the best of classic tales, Rules Are Rules weaves together several themes so that the right one resonates with each reader at precisely the right time. The story begins with Maya in her forest. Weighted down with her problem of having to choose between two opposing options, at first she retreats to herself. Gradually the natural environment comforts her. Nature doesn't solve her problem, but it does relax her so that later she is open to see an unconventional third option. Somewhat better, Maya encounters an older friend who gently listens to her and hears what is at the core of her troubles. Like Nature, the elder doesn't solve Maya's problem, but surrounds her with love. She asks the right questions so Maya can figure out her own best solution. Maya's dilemma revolves around a rule that, although common, does not respect her needs. Her discussion with her parents gives them an awareness of the impact of this arbitrary rule and helps them realize that people of all ages deserve respect. Rules Are Rules presents serious messages, but it tells them joyously. Throughout, chickadees flit in and out, slipping in a little nature education, singing songs that only Maya understands, and keeping the tone light. Children and adults alike will cherish Rules Are Rules, the first in a series of Maya stories.
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About the Author
Artist and editor, Julie Scandora marvelously merges both professions in Rules Are Rules. Her tale is based upon a circumstance her own children encountered when she was young. She is a keen observer of people and as a mother of three, she is especially sensitive to the needs of children. She passionately advocates for children, helping adults understand and respect the young ones in their lives through her writings and workshops. Scandora has a B.A. in art from Smith College and an M.B.A. from the University of Washington. She displays her watercolors in various galleries in Washington, including Semantics Gallery in Edmonds, Kaewyn Gallery in Bothell, Rebecca V Gallery in Tacoma, and The Gallery on Bainbridge Island. Through her editing, she has put the polish on many manuscripts and helped dozens of writers publish their works.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fine children's book teaching the importance of thinking to solve problems--BRAVO, JULIE SCANDORA !!!,
By Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Rules Are Rules (Hardcover)
Julie Scandora's first children's book, Rules Are Rules, tells the touching story of a young girl's path to resolving a problem she must face. For Maya, the young child in this story, the rules must be kept with precision. Of course, Maya is angry and upset about this because there's one rule in particular that she just can't stand.The story begins when Maya is angry and upset in her hiding place in the forest; she's so unpleasant that even the forest animals avoid her. Eventually the peaceful qualities of the forest sooth Maya; and when her mood lightens the forest animals come back and enjoy their lives. However, Maya is still grappling with a problem. Maya meets her old friend, Mrs. Morales, as Maya is walking in the forest. Maya knows that this elderly woman is both kind and wise; so Maya decides to tell Mrs. Morales what is troubling her. It seems there is a rule that Maya must always kiss and hug her Auth Trudy when Trudy comes to visit. Maya hates that because she doesn't like smelling like Aunt Trudy's perfume and besides Aunt Trudy holds her too tight. Mrs. Morales gives Maya space and nonjudgmental acceptance as she listens gently to Maya's dilemma. Maya begins to think that there may be a way out of this dilemma. That night Maya gets up the courage to tell her parents she doesn't like to be touched by Aunt Trudy; and after some discussion Maya and her parents work out an arrangement. Instead of having to hug and kiss Aunt Trudy; Maya will make her a card and merely give it to Aunt Trudy. That way Maya's Aunt Trudy feels good vibes from her niece at the same time that Maya is spared the uncomfortable feelings of being around Aunt Trudy. This book does a marvelous job of encouraging children to find creative solutions to problems that hurt no one at all. This is a powerful lesson for children of many ages. This book is a great experience if you read it along with your children, too; they may have questions about their own problems and dilemmas that can be discussed as you both go through this book. In addition, the watercolor illustrations are outstanding; they make for a beautiful book especially with those very attractive front and back covers. Julie Scandora's first children's book is a must-have for children learning about coping skills. This book shows children how to deal with their own feelings and those of others as they find new or creative solutions to their problems. I highly recommend this children's book.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Lesson Learned!,
This review is from: Rules Are Rules (Hardcover)
I have to say, as I read this story I definitely could relate to Maya, as I'm sure many children and adults will too. This little girl has a problem, one she desperately needs help with. She is told to follow a rule, but what happens when a rule makes you feel uncomfortable? Should you still have to follow it?Maya sits quietly in her forest and ponders what to do. She finds wisdom and is able to talk freely with a kindly woman friend and Maya musters up the courage to talk with her mom about this rule, and give her idea of a possible solution. "Rules Are Rules" is a very good book. The author blends the calmness that nature can bring into the child's life, the understanding that it is a good idea to talk with someone, and the realization they can come up with a possible solution. The watercolor illustrations add depth to the read and definitely help bring the story to life.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Children's Book that Respects Children!,
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This review is from: Rules Are Rules (Hardcover)
"Rules are Rules" is an absolutely delightful children's picture book. The water-color illustrations by the author are beautiful and detailed and exactly fit Julie Scandora's tale of young Maya, who wants to respect her parent's wishes, but doesn't want to kiss her Aunt Trudy, who squeezes Maya "like a tube of toothpaste being squeezed empty" and "wears this smelly perfume".The story begins with Maya communing with nature, listening to the noise of the forest creatures and understanding their communication. Scandora broadens that metaphor as Maya meets her older friend Mrs. Morales, who guides Maya through her dilemma so wisely that Maya comes to a better understanding and her own logical solution to the dilemma of kissing Aunt Trudy. We see that Maya finds her own answer to her problem, and along the way gains new respect from her parents. Rules are Rules is a pleasure from beginning to end. Highly recommended for people like Maya, who are young, but deserving of respect.
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