The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper is about a grandfather teaching his grandson the golden rule as they walk through town one day. Their discussion is framed as a Socratic dialog with both asking and answering questions on what they observe.

More importantly the grandfather introduces many different versions of the golden rule, as it is taught in different cultures. Beyond the do unto others message is a more uniform one, that people are people and each person should strive to do the right thing to make the world a better place.

In this simple story, a grandfather teaches his grandson the meaning of the golden rule after his grandson asks him to read the maxim written on a billboard. The grandfather proceeds to discuss the meaning by examining how the sentiment shows up in the great books and philosophies of the major world religions. The conversation continues as the young boy attempts to make sense of it in the world today and wonders how he might participate. The accompanying illustrations draw on artistic motifs of Judiaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Shawnee tribe. Each page is so gorgeously rendered in rich textures many could stand on their own as singular art works. The message and the art combined make this a five star work show more without a doubt. show less

This book really had a good message: the golden rule. I really liked how the book evaluated the rule from different religions, giving everyone the reason to practice the golden rule. I also really liked how there were questions in the book, real questions that children might ask. This was an all around good book to help introduce the golden rule. The illustrations in this book are also noteworthy and add to the imagination and easy conversation between the grandfather and boy.

This a delightfully illustrated book about the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would want them to do unto you. A grandfather goes about teaching his grandson how to treat others and about how all (many) religions have the same rule. The child thinks about what he could do do adapt the golden rule giving readers ideas along the way.

In this stunning book, a young boy and his grandpa explore the concept of the Golden Rule and what it means in our individual lives and how it is portrayed in other religions and cultures. The illustrations are beautiful! I would suggest this book for all ages. It is simple enough that young children can enjoy it, yet deep and thought provoking enough for adults.

Story about how a young boy learns to understand and practice the Golden Rule with guidance from his grandfather. A gentle, illustrative way of teaching good character. Provides some great discussion about how the Golden Rule is found all over the world in different religious texts. This book could literally be read to any child on Earth. Impressionistic paintings with a golden hue complement this story.

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper is a multicultural and international book about The Golden Rule. The rule states, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," which can be found in all the world's religions and in every culture. It is a simple rule that is not always easy to follow. The book captures the importance and rewards of following this rule. The story is beautifully illustrated by paintings by Gabi Swiatlowska. This book would be good for nursery school children and elementary school children to teach them how to be kind to and respectful of one another.