The Golden Rule

March 1, 2007
K-Gr 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"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 29, 2007
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.