Golden Rule

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Overview

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

Publishers Weekly

Visually energetic paintings and a reassuring story fortify Cooper's (Jewish Holidays All Year Round) assertion (in an author's note) that the Golden Rule is an "underlying moral principle found in almost every religion and culture." A boy and his grandfather observe the phrase "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" on a billboard and begin to discuss the meaning of the words. By turns philosophical and literal, the grandfather explains that the rule is simple but not easy, that it holds true for children as well as adults, and that at its core the rule is "golden because it's so valuable, and a way of living your life that's so simple, it shines." Woven into this intergenerational exchange, Cooper offers interpretations of how the rule is stated in the holy books of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and other major religions. As complement, Swiatowska (My Name Is Yoon) serves up elegant, textured imagery from each religion and warm portraits of grandfather and grandson in her arresting illustrations. Though the text slightly devolves into didacticism when the boy and his grandfather discuss putting the rule into practice, many readers will appreciate the otherwise straightforward tone and universality of the material, and may well ponder the book's message. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

Children's Literature

This book shows the conversation between a young boy and his wise grandfather. The boy questions his grandfather about the meaning of a phrase from a billboard, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The grandfather explains this golden rule and how it is followed by both children and adults. He continues by explaining this rule in six other religions. The book concludes by empowering young readers, as the boy and his grandfather practice using the golden rule through their imaginations. While the premise for this simple plot seems farfetched, Cooper's message is not. She introduces the most basic principle of etiquette, thinking beyond oneself, and encourages young readers to use their imaginations to live by the golden rule. Though this book has a religious basis, it is almost overwhelmingly stuffed with explanations of how the rule works in different religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Shawnee tribe are described) and therefore may be difficult for young readers to digest. However Cooper strives to introduce and unite the cultures and religions to the principle's explanation. But perhaps the best part of the story are Swiatowska's stunning illustrations. The rich colors and impressionistic details grab the reader's attention and add visual expression to the plot's intrigue. Overall, this book is a strong teaching tool for educators covering this essential, elementary subject.

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School Library Journal

K-Gr 1

In this Special Appearance Video, Margery Cuyler introduces her story (S & S, 2008) about Jessica the worrier who is dreading Reading Theater Day at school. The first grader sometimes has trouble sounding out words, which embarrasses her and makes her the target of her classmates' laughter. When her teacher announces that the class will be dressed in costumes and read in front of the parents, Jessica is sure that she will fail. With a little help and encouragement from her dog, the young girl learns that practice makes perfect and overcomes her insecurity. Arthur Howard's colorful, light-hearted cartoon illustrations come to life with tail wags and head bobs, accompanied by lively music created by Bruce Zimmerman. Randye Kaye gives voice to Jessica's troubles, and charmingly becomes teacher, parent, and child with slight but obvious voice changes. Many students will identify with Jessica, and will find the solution to her troubles humorous and reassuring.-MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780810909601
Publisher: Abrams, Harry N., Inc.
Publication date: 3/1/2007
Pages: 32
Sales rank: 71,047
Age range: 4 - 8 Years
Lexile: AD490L (what's this?)
Product dimensions: 10.37 (w) x 10.25 (h) x 0.50 (d)

Meet 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.

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BarbaraG

Posted June 6, 2009

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The Golden Rule Across The Ages

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper is a precious tale about how different cultures through the ages have used the same good-neighbor rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

A grandfather and his grandson spot a billboard that reads: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." When the boy asks his mentor what that means, it sparks a conversation about the Golden Rule. Why is it golden and whom is it for?

Grandpa offers examples of the rule in action, reinforcing the concept that practicing the Golden Rule "begins with you" and extends to the community and, ultimately, the world.

Over several beautifully-illustrated pages, Grandpa shares with his prodigy the wording of this universal rule across different religions, opening up a myriad of extension possibilities at home or in the classroom for reflective discussions, essay-writing, and cultural studies.

Students can enjoy even more enrichment by looking for other ways of saying the Golden Rule. Pose the question, "How did Aristotle or Confucius say it?" Then ask your little reading partners to reword the Golden Rule for themselves.

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Golden Rule

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Children's Literature

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Meet the Author

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The Golden Rule Across The Ages