The Golden Rule

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.

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

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.

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.

Reviewed by Samuel Peralta (age 6) along with Parent for Reader Views (6/07) This book is a welcome reminder that we should treat each other with compassion and learn to empathize with our neighbors. In a world where everyone is looking out for themselves and not thinking too much about anyone else, "The Golden Rule" reminds parents and children about the importance of taking personal responsibility and doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. In this story a grandfather explains to his grandson the significance and importance of treating others how he would like to be treated. The child learns this universal rule can be found in many different religions from Christianity to Hinduism, but most importantly he learns that he must put the golden rule into practice to make a change. Beautifully illustrated and easy-to-read, the author skillfully explains the importance of the golden rule, and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Teaching values and morals to our children can be a challenge for any parent; this book helps children understand how they can practice the golden rule in their day-to-day lives. Parent Comment: This is a wonderful book for children of all ages. My six-year-old son enjoyed the story, but most importantly he learned how to apply the teaching on a practical level. When I started reading the story he was a little confused about the meaning of the golden rule, but when I read the section on how he could practice the golden rule his face lit up. The practical examples helped him easily relate to the children in the story. Thanks to this book the golden rule is no longer a confusing term adults spit out, it is something he understands and will hopefully practice in his life. Sammy enjoyed the picture paintings and learning about different religions from "The Golden Rule." He was surprised to find out the golden rule was practiced by people all around the world and could be found in many religions. He liked the relationship between the boy and his grandfather.