The Golden Rule

A timeless picture book that explores humanity's most universal value: treating others the way you want to be treated.

When a young boy asks his grandfather about a billboard stating "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," he opens the door to a meaningful conversation about empathy, kindness, and global connection. Through tender dialogue, his grandfather explains that while the saying is called the Golden Rule, it isn't made of gold—it's golden because it is precious, powerful, and lived across every culture.

Acclaimed author Ilene Cooper introduces young readers to how major world traditions—including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism—each express this same fundamental message of compassion. Paired with luminous, evocative illustrations by Gabi Swiatkowska, The Golden Rule breaks down a big moral concept into accessible, everyday actions kids can understand and practice.

Ideal for storytime discussions at home, in the classroom, or in Sunday school and interfaith settings, this essential book provides families and educators with a gentle, beautiful tool to foster social-emotional learning, mutual respect, and global citizenship.

Foreword by New York Times bestselling author John Green