Teaching empathy is not an easy task, but it starts with a very simple rule – treat others as you would like to be treated. Every mother I know has – at one time or another – tried to make a point by asking her kids, “How would you like it if someone did that to you?” And that’s really the crux of the Golden Rule is – being able to put yourself in another’s shoes, feel what they feel, and treat them the way you’d like to be treated if you felt the same way.
Author Ilene Cooper and illustrator Gabi Swiatowska give parents a wonderful gift with their book, The Golden Rule (Abrams Books, 2007). This lavishly illustrated picture book gives parents the words to explain the Golden Rule is in a way that kids can understand.
Using a conversation between a boy and his grandfather, Cooper breaks the Golden Rule down into language and examples that a child can relate to:
“So, Grandpa, how can I start to practice the Golden Rule?”
“You begin by using your imagination.”
“You imagine how someone else feels. For instance, a new child who is joining your class. How do you think that boy or girl is feeling?”
“New kids always look scared.”
“Would you be scared if it was you?”
“What would make you feel better?”
“If … if someone smiled at me.”
“So to practice the Golden Rule, you would …”
“Smile at the new kid?”
“YOU’VE GOT IT!”
To help express the universal nature of this rule, the text also includes references to the Golden Rule in religions of the world – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shawnee.
Cooper’s beautiful words are accompanied by equally beautiful illustrations. Swiatowska’s paintings are luminescent and look like works of classical art that might hang in a prestigious museum. And yet, the children’s faces have shades of the contemporary in them, and are absolutely full of life and expression. Each painting is accompanied by little sketches, studies, and miniature details that lend the pages a sense of whimsy and discovery – giving children so much see and explore.
The Golden Rule is truly one of my favorite books. It teaches the young about empathy – what it is and how to show it – and gently reminds grown-ups of what they already know. Cooper’s simple words are full of ageless wisdom and Swiatowska’s paintings are full of lyricism and poetry. This is a beautiful book for any little girl or boy and a gift that will be treasured long beyond childhood.