As the mother of three children, my days are filled with goals like getting at least one kid to eat something grown by nature and keeping the reminders to wash hands below thirty-seven. Day to day goals are one thing for parents, but we also have to look at the Big Picture. Regardless of the differences we may have among our backgrounds, lifestyles or religious beliefs (or absence of religion), I’m fairly certain that we all share the same hopes for our children to become responsible, honest, helpful and kind people. Ian James Corlett has written a wonderful book meant to be read and discussed between parents and children, E is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most.
In twenty-six short stories, Corlett presents small dilemmas and situations featuring Elliott and Lucy, a brother and sister, wrapping up each story by posing a question to the reader about the best choice to make in the scenario. The range of topics covered is wide- from the expected lessons on honesty, respect, and politeness, to others that came as pleasant surprises, such as perseverance, tact and effort. The stories themselves make for quick reads, but hopefully will spark conversations between parent and child that last much longer.
I’ve read several stories with my four year old daughter, and she has asked to read more each day, since the stories are making quite an impression on her. I believe she hopes she will someday soon find money on the ground that she can return to the person nearby frantically searching her purse, as depicted in the first story on honesty. While the topics are certainly very much applicable for older children, the set-up seems a little too young for my ten year old son (or he’s just at a roll-my-eyes-at-everything stage right now), but my daughter participates more actively in the reading and discussing of the stories. I appreciate that the book provides a starting point for the topics I want to address with my children, but they do so in a fun way with entertaining and thoughtful stories– a format my kids are certainly comfortable with!
Would you like to add this charming book to your own family talks? We have one copy to giveaway to a 5 Minutes for Books reader. Please leave a comment to be entered (U.S. residents only).
**This giveaway is now closed.**
- The winner of the audiobooks of A Secret Kept and Sarah’s Key is #25 Ruthie B.
- The winner of the autographed copy of Day & Night is #23 edmontonjb.
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When she’s not shoving fruits at her children or emphasizing the need to be kind to your siblings, Dawn can be found blogging away at my thoughts exactly.
I love to use books as stepping stones to important discussions! This would be great to win!
This sounds like a book I could use right now with my 5-year old….thanks for the chance to win it!
Any book that helps me have an honest conversation with my children is appreciated. This book sounds good!
Oh, I have two little ones this would be perfect for teaching these lessons!
We’re just starting to have to teach this type of thing. This book looks perfect.
What a challenge parents have nowadays.
I’d love to pass this on to my D & DIL for use with the grandkids.
This sounds like a great book.
I love books for kids.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Teaching little ones ethics is a delicate thing, this book would help tremendously.
What a great book! I’d love to win!
What a neat idea. I would love to read this with my kids. I love the idea that it makes these things easier to bring up in conversation.
I love this book! My kid is obsessed with it. I agree with Anne, books are great for starting discussions. I stumbled across this collection of books on iVillage — some goodies in here. http://www.ivillage.com/our-favorite-preschool-books-ever-knuffle-bunny/6-b-257475
What a terrific way to begin a conversation! Thanks for the possibility!
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d love to have this one in our home!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
I think this book would be great for my family. Thanks.
Mel4Him777{at}gmail{dot}com
This looks amazing!
I’d like to read this, thanks.
This would be a great tool! Thanks for the review and giveaway-
What a wonderful book to read and discuss with
my children. Hopefully, schools include this
book in their library for the teachers…
Many thanks, Cindi
What a great idea! My daughter already keys in on social issues (at 3 y.o.) so i think this would a great conversation piece. Thanks!
This book would be great to read with my boys.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
This sounds like a good book. I like that it’s up to the reader to make the right decision.