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Cover of Do Unto Otters

Do Unto Otters

A Book About Manners

Laurie Keller

First published 2007 · 40 pages

A zany, laugh-out-loud exploration of the Golden Rule that turns social anxiety into a joyful lesson in empathy.

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What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping into a brightly colored, wonderfully chaotic classroom where the most important life lessons are delivered with a wink and a giggle. The energy is brisk and bouncy, propelled by quirky illustrations and a conversational style that invites readers right into the protagonist's anxious, overactive mind. It perfectly captures that universal childhood nervousness about meeting someone new, then melts it away with warm, practical empathy. The prose is zany and interactive, bursting with speech bubbles and playful asides that make reading aloud a riotous experience. It is an absolute delight for young readers figuring out how to navigate the social world, and for the adults who want to guide them without sounding preachy.

Mood
  • cheerful
  • lighthearted
  • warm
  • chaotic-good
Tone
  • playful
  • quirky
  • earnest
  • humorous
Pace
brisk
Themes
the Golden Rule · neighborliness · social anxiety · empathy · making friends
The writing
Zany, conversational, and highly interactive, bursting with speech bubbles and playful typography.
The arc
Moves from nervous apprehension about the unknown to a joyful, confident embrace of new friendship.
Who it's for
Young children learning social skills and adults seeking a hilarious, non-preachy way to teach manners.

About the book

Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. OTTERS! But he doesn't know anything about Otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises wise Mr. Owl. And so begins Mr. Rabbit's reflection on good manners.

In her smart, quirky style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor--just follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections. Mr. Rabbit doesn't know how to treat his new neighbors, the Otters who have moved next door. The story highlights how to be a good neighbor and friend--by simply following the golden rule!

Description from Open Library.

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