E Is For Ethics

When I was pregnant, I researched everything. I learned everything there was to know… about being pregnant. But about RAISING a kid??? Not so much. Now that Ryan is here, there’s so much to prepare for and one thing my husband and I often talk about is how we’ll instill values. How do you teach right and wrong? How do you teach your kid to be respectful and caring and considerate?

I was sent this book for review: E Is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most

Before I knew anything about it I was thinking it may be a bit boring, but nonetheless an important issue. I was pretty excited when I got it… right off the bat, look at the cute cover! 🙂 (I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover… but you can with this one).

This book, by Ian James Corlett, includes 26 stories about values, morals and life skills that you’re supposed to read aloud to your kids. I read over a few and what I like most is that I think kids will really like to listen to them and be able to relate: they’re about 2 children named Elliott and Lucy and each story is only 2-3 pages in length. Plus, there are questions at the end of each section to help your family engage in discussion.

The 26 traits included in this book are:

  • Honesty
  • Understanding
  • Forgiveness
  • Courage
  • Tact
  • Perseverance
  • Politeness
  • Loyalty
  • Gratitude
  • Truthfulness
  • Fairness
  • Acceptance
  • Patience
  • Sincerity
  • Citizenship
  • Integrity
  • Kindness
  • Responsibility
  • Effort
  • Empathy
  • Charity
  • Helpfulness
  • Generosity
  • Willingness
  • Trust
  • Respect

The author, Ian James Corlett, has written for and/or developed many children’s series such as The Adventures of Paddington Bear, Rolie Polie Olie, Lunar Jim, and Rescue Heroes. He’s also the voice of many animated characters! He has two children of his own and this book developed after he and his wife would sit down every Monday  night and have “Family Fun Time” that included telling these stories.

I think the stories are cute and are a great way to make a point to your children. For example, the first story is on honesty and is about finding money on the ground. Some of the questions at the end are: What would be the honest thing to do? How would Elliot have felt later if he had decided to keep the money? What’s a situation where you or a friend displayed honesty?

It’s great that the questions make your child think about the trait or value more in-depth. I did read a story to Ryan… of course he has no idea what I’m saying, haha, but he grabbed at the book and was patient the whole time 🙂 I’m excited to use this book when he’s older, I think it will really help us out!

You can buy the book on Amazon: E Is for Ethics for about $15. There is also a website for this book where you’ll find a free downloadable coloring book to go with the characters! Plus, you can find the author on twitter and the book on facebook.

They sent me two copies so… the other book will be part of my Cora’s Story fundraising giveaway! Remember, we’re raising money for this wonderful non-profit org that is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about congenital heart defects (CHD). Everyone who donates will be entered in a raffle for lots of awesome prizes–this book included! Even just one dollar gets you entered so click that link above for the whole list of prizes and more info or click the ChipIn widget in the right sidebar to donate! (*Paypal is NOT associated with the giveaway/raffle. Paypal is only used for the donations and 100% will go to Cora’s Story.*)

(Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for review, I was not compensated. All opinions are my own. The Amazon link is an affiliate link where I’d earn a tiny % of purchases made.)

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