How to Behave and Why

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.

Wonderful book and important, simple message for all ages. I’m so glad we got this book. We’re sharing it with family and friends.

This book actually clarified a few things so succinctly... indeed WHY and HOW should we behave, at any age (as the book preface acknowledges.) Honest, Fair, Kind and Wise... that's what we all need to be! CEOs, parents, children, friends, family... we can all need these attributes. The cartoons are so basic, but my kids really got it and had fun reading it with eyes wide open. Add this book to the repertoire of kindly instructive books for self-improvement (which starts with concern and compassion for others, ironically).

This book was an easy read for my 9-year-old who also quite enjoyed the funny stick-figure drawings. It opened up a lot of good dialogue about _really_ how ought we to behave and why. It's simple lessons: fairness, taking turns, being a good sport. These are too often overlooked in today's competitive and fast-paced world, so I enjoyed both his empowerment about reading a book with such a "grown-up" topic (they have really dumbed down kids' literature!) and especially the quality time we had together discussing own our family's morals and values. We've already purchased the companion books!

No surprises

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.😋

I originally purchased this book for my grand-daughters (aged 3 to 15 yrs - 5 in all)), in the hope that it might provide simple guidelines for the younger ones. On Christmas Day they all read it, one by one, with the y3 yr old asking to have it read to her !!!!! It is our second copy - we keep one at our house as a "coffee table book" for younger visitors (originally). Many of our adult visitors also feel compelled to have a bit of a look. An excellent book as a gift for younger families, and an excellent "coffee table book" for all.

Egal wo Du bist, oder wer Du bist, es gibt vier Dinge, die Du tun musst, wenn Du gute Freunde finden und behalten willst. Du musst EHRLICH sein. Du musst STARK sein. Du musst FAIR sein. Du musst KLUG sein. Und täusch Dich nicht. Das ist gar nicht so einfach. Wir leben in einer Zeit in der die Regeln für heranwachsende Kinder zigmal neu definiert wurden. Dies ist ein Buch aus einer Zeit, in der man sich noch einig war, was richtig und was falsch ist. Die Aufmachung des Buches ist simpel und rührend. Leider bis jetzt nur englisch... Übrigens: das Buch kommt in der Serie "Eine himmlische Familie" vor!

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

Good for primary school age. Bit wordy but behaviour is well explained. Usually read a few chapters at a time but it is effective in communicating why good behaviour is important

Excellent books. For people of all ages. I always read the books I buy before reading it to my girl. After I read this one, I was asking all the grown ups in the family to read it. I thought everyone can benefit from reading it. You know how you sometimes feel you never got any training on how to act in this life/world. Well, this book gives all the answers you need.

Superb book for kids to understand why to behave good and how they can do it. Very nicely written.