The Golden Rule | Ilene Cooper | It's All in the Telling

The Golden Rule | Ilene Cooper | Timeless story, Fantastic illustration!

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The Golden Rule

	The Golden Rule Ilene Cooper Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007 - 40 pages average customer review:based on 6 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

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.

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It's All in the Telling

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.

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Timeless story, Fantastic illustration!

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.

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Wonderful book

Wow, what a wonderful book. The message is great and the illustrations are beautiful. I am going to buy this book as a gift for my nieces and nephews!

My Favorite Gift to Give

This is a wonderful book that every family should have. It is my favorite gift to give, because it touches both kids and adults with its powerful message.

the Golden Rule

The illustrations were just O.K., but the message is a beautiful one - promotes religious tolerance. I bought one copy for my nephew's First Communion (Roman Catholic) and one copy for my own children (Buddhist).

reviews: page 1, 2

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