"No matter where you are or who you are, there are four main things that you have to do if you want to make good friends and keep them.

You have to be HONEST
You have to be FAIR
You have to be STRONG
and you have to be WISE
And there is no good in trying to fool yourself. All that isn't so easy."

In a time when all the rules for raising children have been redefined dozens of times, here is a book for bewildered parents from a simpler time when we all agreed on what was right and what was wrong. First published in 1946, Munro Leaf's How To Behave And Why gives touchingly sincere yet gently funny lessons in Honesty, Fairness, Strength, and Wisdom. Originally intended for the very young, but with meaning for us all, How To Behave and Why is a true classic, charmingly illustrated with childlike drawings, and with a timeless message. It is a sure guide for teaching children (and adults) how to behave.

Amazon.com Review
It's hard to be good. Especially if you don't really know what "being good" means. Munro Leaf, beloved author of The Story of Ferdinand, decided to try his hand at defining good behavior in his 1946 classic How to Behave and Why. The two biggest questions to ask ourselves in life, he says, are "Are most of the people I know glad that I am here?" and "Am I glad that I am here, myself?" If you want to make good friends and keep them, he says, "You have to be HONEST. You have to be FAIR. You have to be STRONG and You have to be WISE." This strangely charming life primer, illustrated with endearing stick figures, goes on to explain why you have to be honest--how handy it is to be trusted, for instance, when you need to borrow money. And if you lie too much, "We can't believe ourselves or anyone else, because we don't really know what the truth is any more than a penguin and that is a stupid way to live." Specific reasons for not being a "lazy lump" or a liar or a cheat are outlined matter-of-factly, as are basic lessons in how to be well and strong. Originally published for the very young (it has an early-reader format with big type and pictures), Leaf's how-to-be-good guidebook will probably be shared among adults as a back-to-basics inspirational book with the same crossover appeal as Sandol Stoddard Warburg's I Like You. A satisfying reflection of a time when what was right and wrong seemed more black and white. (All ages) --Karin Snelson

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 27 reviews)

A MUST HAVE!

Every family should have a copy of this book in their home library, or on their child's bookshelf! Every family member, young and old, should read it, and re-read it. WHY? Because it makes sense! It's about life, and how we need to live and cooperate with one another....it's how we ALL need to behave and why! It's every lesson we need to teach our children in order for them to become good little people, and it's a reminder for all adults out there too. It's A MUST HAVE!
September 19, 2008

too long for 6 and 5 year olds

I think that the lesson is a good one and something that every child needs to know, but its also a little long. My boys didn't have the patience for it. They were ready to go to the next thing after about half of it. I enjoyed it more than the kids.
September 15, 2008

MY 6 YR OLD LOVES IT!

The pictures are entertaining and the speaker captures the attention. My daughter is one to please adults, though. If your child is unruly, I'm not sure this book would work very much. A good reinforcer and fodder(sp?) for discussion.
August 02, 2008

I really like this book

I really like this book. It is full of good old fashion advice on how to behave. It teaches the children how to be honest and thoughtful to the people around them. The drawings are simple but my kids thought they were funny.
June 09, 2008

o.k. Leans toward secular humanism.

Now we certainly read this one often. Kids' ages are 6 and 3. 6 likes it very much, 3 listens a little.

I would say the book trends toward humanism, as if our highest goal in life is to be self-actualizing and happy. Being happy is a BIG THING in this book. Be HONEST, be STRONG, be FAIR, be WISE, and you will be HAPPY.

I read the book word-for-word until I get to page 56. I replace the text with "We are blessed to live in freedom and prosperity. Counting our blessings is a way to be wise and happy." I actually stuck a sticky note on the page so Gramma can read it the same way.

But you know, we like the book. And it works out o.k. with our other manners-oriented and raising kids books. Just know, going in, that the drive is to be HAPPY.

April 26, 2008

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Manners Can Be Fun
by Munro Leaf

How to Speak Politely & Why
by Munro Leaf

Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change Your Child's Attitude, Behavior & Character in 5 Days
by Dr. Kevin Leman

Confident Parenting
by Jim Burns

Reading Can Be Fun
by Munro Leaf