The Golden Rule [Hardcover]

Ilene Cooper (Author), Gabi Swiatkowska (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2007 | Age Range: 1 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 490L (What's this?)

This book is a gentle reminder of a timeless rule for parent and child: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Everyone knows a version of the Golden Rule. But what does it really mean? And how do you follow it? In this gorgeously illustrated book, a grandfather explains to his grandson that the Golden Rule means you “treat people the way you would like to be treated. It’s golden because it’s so valuable, and a way of living your life that’s so simple, it shines.” And though it may be a simple rule, it isn’t easy to follow. Fortunately, following the Golden Rule is something everyone can do, which means that every person—old or young, rich or poor—can be a part of making the world a better place.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5—A nameless boy and his grandfather discuss the meaning of the Golden Rule, its universality, and ways to practice it. Grandfather points out that many religions and cultures, from Christianity to Hinduism to the Shawnee tribe, have their own variations, and he quotes six examples. The boy wonders what the world would be like if more people practiced the Rule, and Grandfather explains that "It begins with you." The rich, golden paintings and large format reinforce the importance of the topic. The cherubic boy and his old-fashioned grandfather gaze solemnly out of the pages, making eye contact with readers and inviting them into the discussion. Swirling patterns of animal shapes and symbols from various traditions are reminders that the topic is as abstract as the art, with much room for interpretation. This is less a story than a discussion starter, and teachers, parents, and religious leaders will welcome it as a clear introduction to an important subject. While there are more compelling examples throughout children's literature of characters practicing the Golden Rule, from Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess to Chris Raschka's Yo! Yes? (Scholastic, 1993), there are few titles that address the concept so directly.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
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About the Author

Ilene Cooper has written many acclaimed children’s books, including Jewish Holidays All Year ’Round, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. She is an editor for Booklist and lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Gabi Swiatkowska won the Ezra Jack Keats Best New Illustrator Award from the New York Public Library for her first book. This is her second book. She lives in New York City and travels often.

Product Details

• Age Range: 1 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081090960X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810909601
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's All in the Telling September 17, 2007

By Sandra Dutton

Format:Hardcover

This picture book successfully breaks a rule of writing: that it is better to "show" than to "tell," for it is a conversation, mainly a telling, the grandfather explaining to the child what the Golden Rule is--seeing it first on a wall, then walking along discussing it. He tells the child that in some religions it's stated in the negative, "Do nothing to other people that you would not like having done to you." The boy wonders how he can practice this rule, and the grandfather gives an example: Suppose, he says, you were the new kid in school, how would you feel? "New kids always look scared," says the boy. He and his grandfather decide that smiling at the new kid is applying the Golden Rule.

The conversation takes place as the boy and his grandfather stroll down the street, then sit on a park bench. So it breaks still another rule: children's books need action. Why it works, I believe, is the solemnity of the lesson. The boy is delighted to be the center of attention, to hear important information, ancient information. A child reader will identify with this moment, when something important is being taught, when the boy wants to respond with the proper gravity. "I wonder how things would change if everyone lived by the Golden Rule," says the grandfather. "I think people would be nicer," says the boy. "Kinder."

The pages are beautifully textured with layers of paint and fascinating detail. Beasts and deities of the world's religions float in the background, as if part of the boy's and the grandfather's imaginations. Portraits of the boy and his grandfather are sensitively done, sometimes bleeding off the page, leaving only one side or the top half of a face, giving the effect of capturing a moment....

This "telling" book with lush illustrations will give children and their parents much to discuss and think about. Read more ›

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless story, Fantastic illustration! November 3, 2007

By E. Mcwhinney

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was searching for all the books that Gabi Swiatkowska illustrated that were available at our library. This one just resonated with us. I'd like to own ALL her books but this is a great start. My daughter is a precocious 5.5, yet the stories were thought provoking and can be reread and rediscussed for a long time as we all know. I loved that they have tried to interpret all the religion's spin on the "Golden Rule". Especially since American public schools now tend to dilute out all religion, or faith, whereas I'd prefer inclusion of all. The illustrations are once again fantastic and add mystery and interest to all of the interpretations respectfully.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Treat others... June 22, 2009

By S. Gottlieb

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

A great book to teach children to treat others as they themselves should be treated. Not overly religious in my opinion (and I am pretty secular). It resonated with my daughter.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Golden Rule September 23, 2008

By Jewish Book World Magazine

Format:Hardcover

What a lovely, pensive, ethical book for children. Through the love of a gentle grandfather and a tot (boy), primary readers learn about the golden rule in a multi-cultural way. The two characters are out walking when they see the golden rule, in both its do and do not form, on various signs. The child asks and the adult explains in warm, comprehensible language that this is a rule that promotes civility and morality between people and nations. He explains it is golden because it is so valuable a way of living that your life shines. He encourages the boy to use his imagination to understand; the boy empathetically puts himself in various age appropriate situations, showing concretely that he (and the reader) gets it. The grandfather explains that many religions promote this rule with Judaism being second after Christianity (ouch, the Jewish bible came first and double ouch, the art gives Christianity a half page color spread while Judaism is reduced to two small square sketches of symbols). The child understands this rule is simple, but not easy, to carry out and that it starts with each person. The lesson is delivered without didacticism and with smashingly gorgeous art; the layout is sophisticated and the muted colors mix grey and white drawings with the active color spreads. This book is not Jewish, but it contains a Jewish teaching that is so valuable this stunning volume, its warts to be noted, is recommended for children from 5 to 8 years old. Reviewed by Ellen Cole

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review From Books That Heal Kids May 4, 2010

By Books That Heal Kids

Format:Hardcover

The golden rule was a big thing when I was growing up. I remember hearing it frequently at an early age in school and from my parents. Guess what? It left a huge moral impression on me then and now. It has helped me be a better friend, student, daughter, and sister. So when I found this contemporary beautiful book a few years ago, I was delighted.

I've been reading The Golden Rule for a few years now to the students. Many kids had never even heard of the golden rule. Gasp! It's a way of thinking I'd like to see more kids using to solve friendship and bullying problems. There is a simplicity about it that I love and appeals to children. Kids are searching for meaningful ways to become better human beings. They are like sponges when I read this book and want to learn how to apply it to their daily lives. The golden rule has been around forever and I hope to help pass it on to our younger generations.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful book for youngsters June 15, 2009

By Seek You

Format:Hardcover

Ilene Cooper's book, The Golden Rule, is a wonderful book for children and for parents, anxious to teach theirchildren the values of the golden rule : "Treat others the way you would like to be treated". The central theme of the book is that the Golden Rule is not just for Christians, but is found in nearly every religion. The characters then explore what it means to practise the Golden Rule. Beautifully illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska, this book will become a future childhood treasure and is a "must" addition to any child's library.