George Washington's Rules to Live By: How to Sit, Stand, Smile, and Be Cool! A Good Manners Guide From the Father of Our Country by K. M. Kostyal (Adapter) & illustrated by Fred Harper

My thoughts:  I have it straight from a young mother of four girls - "They love it!" My grand-girls simply love George Washington's Rules to Live By and frequently check out a copy from their public library. Our First President lived during a genteel era and he was a gentleman who moved in the higher echelon of his day - socially and politically. He was, of course, cognizant of how his behavior  and those under his care and leadership reflected on who they were and whom they represented. Good manners was not something taken lightly.

Today's youngsters and even their adult leaders don't feel the need for instruction in etiquette, but truly it is very much needed. Parents should start young with this instruction. A book such as George Washington's Rules to Live By is written for children and teens and in such a light hearted, fun, spirited manner and packed with bright funny illustrations that make learning to live the gracious life actually fun.

This would be a superb book to use on a regular basis in the classroom - kind of like a "thought for the day" exercise. The teacher could encourage a team effort watching for "caught you using good manners" for those caught exercising the "Rules to Live By" in their daily life.

 Small bits of the life of President Washington are also part of the text and provide insight into the man he was. I think this is a superb book for homes with children, school libraries, and public libraries.

About the book: This innovative gift book allows kids to peek into the mind of George Washington and the more than 100 lessons by which he lived his life. Modern translations and hilarious caricature illustrations provide a lighthearted and fun way to learn about history and good manners at the same time. Featuring the Rules of Civility that George Washington learned when he was a child, this book focuses on 50 of George's maxims, ranging from table manners to polite conversation to being a good citizen. Because the Rules of Civility are centuries old, this book also includes "translations" of the rules into contemporary and witty kid-friendly explanations that any young reader can relate to. Paired with laugh-out-loud illustrations, this book is a sure-fire guide to amazing etiquette.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic Kids publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.