Customer Reviews

Rules of the Wild: An Unruly Book of Manners

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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!"

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.

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.