Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners [Hardcover]

Bridget Levin (Author), Amanda Shepherd (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Playing in the dirt, staying up all night, and leaving clothes strewn across the floor are not a problem if you're a wild animal. Dunking food, burping, and splashing—no problem either. Human kids, who are expected to follow rules, rules, rules, will squeal with delight as the pages reveal wild animals getting away with all kinds of outlandish behavior and will relish "knowing better!"

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–This clever, well-executed book will grab children's attention and make them laugh. By showing examples of inappropriate behavior for humans that is natural for wild animals, readers are left to draw their own conclusions. And they will. For example, camels spit but polite people don't. Lions roar, but people who do the same are considered rude. Shepherd's illustrations are witty and expressive, and add lots of extra details to the text. The final spread features an illustrated chart that lists behaviors (Are you allowed to…?) down the left side, and headshots of animals and a child across the top, with each matrix filled in with a "YES" or "NO." This book, about a somewhat neglected topic, is a charmer for all libraries that serve children–or wild animals. A great read-aloud for one or many.–Mary Hazelton, Warren Community School, ME
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Review

"A witty look at breaking away from rules for a while, with a nod to reality in the end." -- Atlanta Parent, Staff Picks of 2004

"in this appealing offering...children get a chance to live like animals. They'll have a good time...Lessons with levity." -- Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811842266
• ISBN-13: 978-0811842266
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,150,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do Read Rules of the Wild, September 7, 2004

By 

Connie A. Van Hoven - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners (Hardcover)

Definitely do read Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners! It passes the "again" test with flying colors. I read it to a favorite four-year-old who roared for more. So, I read it over again and then she "read" it back to me. And then we quizzed each other on the nifty animal facts at the end of the book. The story has wonderful elements like animal noises and humor, plus it gives readers the opportunity to experience vicarious bad behavior. My young friend had a case of the sillies, so she found the illustrations particularly amusing. A snake wearing a shirt, camels spitting and a kid eating scoops of ice cream stacked to the ceiling cracked her up. Besides quickly memorizing the various animals and their characteristics, she also latched on to some of the clever statements like, "On your mark, get set... SQUIRT!"

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wild Read -, September 10, 2004

By 

Jeanne Gabriel - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners (Hardcover)

Bridget Levin uncovers every child's (and adult's?) fantasy of shedding the customs of nice living for the delightfully unabashed behaviors of the animal world. Told in a voice both playful and respectful, Rules of the Wild encourages parents and teachers to discuss the nature of rules - the diverse forms and attendant habits which ultimately lend color and uniqueness to us all. This book is also a great assist in expanding the child's little world of me center to a wider (and wilder) awareness of other.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kids and Adults Will Go Wild!, September 2, 2004

By 

Carol S. Cohen (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners (Hardcover)

Kids and adults will go wild for this "unruly book of manners". A small book with huge ideas, that gives voice to the need for kids (and adults) to follow the example of delightful animals who stay true to their nature rather than compromise for the sake of silly societal rules and expectations. The cleverly written prose and vivid illustrations encourage being true to oneself, respecting our roots, enjoying our individuality and uniqueness. This promises to be a classic, deserving a prominent place on classroom, library and bedtime book shelves worldwide.