Books promote values
Our media-driven culture often promotes valueless values that affect all of us, especially children. Video games focus on killing. Television shows and music videos are laden with sex, selfishness, rude remarks, violence and "It's all about me" attitudes. The concept too often promoted is that material possessions make the person, not what's in their soul, on the inside.
What is happening to us? Is this what we want? Is this what we want our children to become? I think not.
Today's reviewed books address values that are important, no matter who you are or where you live or what your religion. Take a look for yourself and share them with the children in your life. We can all learn from the wisdom these books provide.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"The Five Sparrows: a Japanese Folktale"</B> adapted and illustrated by Patricia M. Newton; Atheneum; 30 pages; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.Many years ago in the Far East there lived an old woman who was very kind and loving, and so it was not unusual that she would rescue an injured sparrow from certain death and nurse it back to health.Her good deeds were scorned by her family and friends, who thought her silly for doting over a bird. The old woman paid them no mind, and soon the bird was fully recovered and able to be set free.Kindness has its rewards, and although the old woman never expected anything for the care she gave to the sparrow, the bird returned and presented her with a seed. She carefully planted the seed, tended it and discovered it produced riches beyond her wildest imagining.The old woman's neighbors were jealous of her wealth, and thinking there was great profit in good deeds, they set about to repeat the old woman's efforts. What they learned, however, was that it wasn't enough to simply do good deeds. The feelings behind the deeds are what really count, and kindness and greed reap very different rewards.
<B>Library:</B> Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., Mars<B>Library Director:</B> Heather Love<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Joyce Pappert<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"I Already Know I Love You"</B> by Billy Crystal; <B>"I Am America"</B> by Charles R. Smith Jr.; <B>"How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight"</B> by Varsha Bajaj
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"The Golden Rule"</B> by Ilene Cooper; illustrated by Gabi Swiatowska; Abrams, 2007; 36 pages; $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.A young boy and his grandfather see a billboard along a city sidewalk. The boy asks his grandfather what the billboard says. "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU," the grandfather tells the boy. The boy wants to know what that means, and why is it called "golden."Grandfather explains to his grandson that the Golden Rule is a universal law that is meant for everyone and is written in a similar way in every major religion around the world. Grandfather tells the boy the different variations of the rule, and encourages the boy to think about what he can do to live by that rule.Through evocative paintings and simple, yet powerful prose, "The Golden Rule" promotes empathy, understanding, and tolerance, making this selection an extraordinary and essential offering for young and old alike.<B>"Please Is a Good Word to Say"</B> by Barbara Joosse; illustrated by Jennifer Plecas; Philomel, 2007; 32 pages; $12.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.The young female narrator in this charming book speaks to her listeners in a language they will immediately relate to. Discussing certain words that are good to say, she emphasizes, often humorously, how those same words can be used inappropriately.From how to use the words "please," "thank you," "I'm sorry," "excuse me," and more, this delightful book on manners is direct but never preachy, funny and flowery in all the right places, and just plain excellent.
