Everything I need to Know
I Learned From a Little Golden Book
Ever
now and then a book just draws your eyes to it on the
shelves and practically shouts, “Hey, you know
you need to read me.” Such was the case with Everything
I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book.
One
day Diane Muldrow, a longtime editor at Little
Golden Books, realized that the little books covered
most of the situations we face in life. With delightful
illustrations of animals, birds, children and even inanimate
things such as trains the author tells us what these
lessons are. It appears that the illustrations are from
former Golden Books.
Most,
if not all the lessons, will be mentioned in this column,
but without the stunning illustrations, the lessons
will lose ninety-five percent of their punch. Let,s
go through the lessons to illustrate how thorough these
lessons cover life: Ger dressed first thing (sweatpants
are bad for morale), have some pancakes, get some exercise
every day, frolic, daydream, go on a joy ride, stroll,
bird-watch, treat yourself (the simplest things are
often the most fun), so go on a picnic, and make music
a part of your life, be a hugger, kiss, turn off the
tv from time to time, and crack open a book, use your
imagination look up, and savor the seasons as they roll
around, stay curious, take in some culture once in a
while, learn something new, dare to explore (what's
out there for you?), express yourself, try a new look,
be unique (just don't go overboard, plan that dream
trip (soon you will be on your way), be open to making
new friends (even if they're very, very shy), keep in
touch, hang out, steer clear of shady characters, be
discriminating, choose your companions wisely, break
bread together every day, don't forget your antioxidants,
go ahead and make a big deal over your birthday, dress
up and go dancing (any kind of dancing), make something
from nothing, sing even if you can't hold a tune, learn
to cook (and clean), make a budget and stick to it,
have you had your checkup lately? Weren't you going
to learn how to swim? Always keep a medical kit handy,
cultivate contentment, take a mental health day now
and then, and the list goes on.
The
text, as good as it is,pales in comparison when combined
with the illustrations that superbly illustrate the
lesson. For example the illustration that goes with
steer clear of shady character is illustrated with a
delightful (Although up to no good) fox waiting to pounce
on a group of fowls going his way. Each lesson is depicted
in a like manner.
I
suggest you read the book for your own fun and information
and then read and discuss it with you children. I call
it a children's book for grown ups. The book should
be in every library. It was such a fun read for me.
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