In a world where courtesy and good manners are often sadly lacking, here is a welcome values-based guide to proper behavior toward others that is sure to be helpful and much appreciated by parents, teachers and thoughtful children. While clearly aimed at the Orthodox community, the lessons, gently taught, are not only appropriate to all but are necessary for people of all backgrounds to absorb and integrate into daily life. Each lesson is linked to appropriate Torah sections which reinforce Judaic and general learning and remind both children and adults that those are not necessarily separate spheres; Jewish values and general good values integrated into an educational whole, result in considerate, well-behaved, well-adjusted children who will grow into fine adults who will be the right kinds of society members. These adults will benefit everyone who comes into contact with them and will be the “honorable mentschen” of the clever title.
A few of the topics addressed are: telephone manners, responding to compliments, greeting others, being a good host, being a good guest, and many others. Much time and space is allotted to the important issue of bullying which is discussed from a variety of angles. Each topic is given appropriate quotes, an explanatory paragraph, a colorful cartoon-like illustration, and sometimes a short encapsulation or mini-quiz to increase comprehension.
This kind of book could easily be saccharine or overly preachy as it tries to instill “goodness” in young readers but this one walks the fine line of avoiding that pitfall. The humor within some of the art is helpful in this regard.
A glossary of Hebrew and Yiddish terms used within the book is appended.
Recommended for ages 5 – 10.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
