How to Behave and Why

I have several things about this book that I don't like. First and foremost is the horrible artwork. It isn't charmingly illustrated, as the inside cover states. It's stick figures scattered through a lot of text. More text than pictures. If a book has value, it should place value on good presentation, which the artwork in this book completely fails to do. Using stick figures to portray everything demeans the message that the book is trying to make. It says to a child "this book isn't all that important, because nobody felt it was important enough to take the time to really do well in the artwork." Calling them charming figures is a little like a used car salesman trying to sell a real lemon, or trying to sell a house that is badly in need of major renovations to an unwarey buyer. The limitation of the artwork also fails to provide enough visual appeal to each page to keep a young child's interest long enough while you read the rambling preaching.A second problem that I had was one that I'm sure a lot of people overlook, but one that is very personal to me, as a person who is disabled. It's the part of the book that says "You have to be strong," And then proceeds to say that it is all just a matter of healthy habits. Then it proceeds to denigrate anyone who isn't "strong" by saying that people who are not strong "might as well be a run down mouse." With this kind of name calling attitude towards those who are weaker, children are sure to develop prejudism against people who through no fault of their own are disabled, or ill, or physically different, or who require help and care from others. There is nothing in the book that helps a child differentiate between someone who has poor health due to bad choices and someone who may be weak due to things beyond their control. All too often I see children respond to disabilities in others in a negative way, and I feel that it is as important as any other good behavior to learn to have compassion towards people who are less able, for whatever reason. That is what true strength is, not just the absence of illness. I don't want to downplay the importance of good health, but the message that the book portrays fails to make the right point where health is concerned, and helps to promote prejuditial behavior in it's place. Some kids might get the difference, but some kids won't, unless you spend some time discussing it with them, and making sure they understand. But how many parents just read the book, and expect the message from the book to be enough?I can usually overlook defects like this as long as a book has true value in the content that it expresses. But this book was more like listening to a dry sermon, with very watered down reasons for behaving, including the reason that you should behave because you're told to. Somehow I think that misses the whole point of the title of the book, that makes you think that it's going to tell you not only how to behave, but WHY to behave. It fails to give adequate "why's."I'm really disappointed in this book, because with all the good reviews, I expected it to be something really well done and useful. I think I'd rather read reviews by the kids who are forced to have to sit through listening to this lecture. There is a real need for books that teach children how and why to behave. But this book fails to do that, in spite of it's title.

This book explains how to be a person capable of living in community. I think it’s a must read for both adults and children as it lays out in simple language the ‘hows and why’s’ of behavioral guidelines. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s a fun read.😋

Simple explanations without the twaddle feel.

Not a redefinition of rules for raising children, "How to Behave and Why" gives us exactly what we need without changing the game plan. The book is not fashionable. It certainly could not be labeled as recent findings either. Originally published in 1946, "How to Behave and Why" addresses common challenges when growing up and how to be a truly considerate person. Leaf's no-nonsense approach to being honest, strong, fair and wise gives his reader what we need to reap the rewards of treating others the way they deserve to be treated.Make no mistake; the author does not limit his wisdom to the very young. Adults, "the people that we meet each day", (to coin Sesame Street's popular phrase) can learn loads from asking ones self "are the people I know glad that I am here?" Mr. Leaf explains how necessary it is to get along well with other people and have most of them like you, if you want to be happy.Munro Leaf addresses the misnomer of what strong is. Not just an opportunity to show off muscles and strength, being strong is so much more. Being strong is doing what's right even when it's the hardest thing you've ever done. Having a clean, healthy mind allows people to be strong enough to, as stated earlier in the book, ensure that the people you know are glad you are here. We all want to be wanted.The book explains that it's not easy to do the right thing. Although it's easy to tell a lie, the consequences can be so negative, as explained in "How to Behave and Why", you gain a huge desire to be truthful and strong and fair and wise. This book is the perfect teaching tool for all adults. And not just to teach their children but to instill in their own lives as well.

Many years ago, I was browsing through a knick-knack type shop and saw this book on a shelf. The title alone sold me as this is a topic that I feel like our society needs lately. I was talking with a friend recently about this book and he expressed interest in seeing it...so I came on here and bought him his own copy.This book doesn't mess around...it gets straight to the point with stuff like "only a dope will tell a lie". Now...that's not the kind of language you'd typically hear in a kids book these days...but like I said, this is the kids of book that people (not just kids!) need to hear these days. No hidden or metaphorical messages, just straight up "here's how to act". And keep in mind that this is not a story...it's a series of important principals and reasons why they are important. It's not a book that my kids pick up and read for fun...they've got plenty of those. This is a book that "I" pull out and read with them as a form of instruction.

This is a great book to teach kids how to be kind. Honestly, most adults should be reading this.

I bought this for my daughter. Who is under 1yr .so she can have a positive stimulation. What children hear they emulate

We like everything about this book; the text and the illustrations. Very well balanced. Funny yet serious. Simpy great.

If you have a logical child who will behave differently if given reason to do so, this book will help. I don't have that child.

Great book that reminds us why it's important to behave well.

My kids are attracted to read it. Thank you!

I would recommend this book but it is an older book and uses a few words I tell my children not to use.

satisfied with service and product.