A Book Review
This fun and morally rich children's book is written and illustrated by Tassa Avara. Tassa is an elementary teacher in Ouachita Parish. The idea for this book was birthed from the interactions she has had with her students.
In her story, Tinker Skunk, wanders about the woodlands looking for a playmate. However, he does this with little regard for the other animals. He innocently mistreats them. Eventually his ill treatment of the other animals comes back to bite him. It is then when he learns the golden rule :to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
This is a Christian book that ties the scriptures Matthew 7 :12 and Luke 6:31 to the moral message of Tassa's story. These scriptures are shown before the general story.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 (NIV)
I think that it's great that these verses are put at beginning instead of the end of the story, so that the child can clearly link God's word to the message and examples given in the story. I think it helps children connect "the golden rule" to their hearts.
Little Tinker is a charming and lovable character. He is not mean, and while he does mistreat other animals it is done in oblivion. I applaud Tassa for showing her character like this because this is in fact how children often are. They often are "rude" out of ignorance. A child does not have to be a bully to be selfish or inconsiderate. I think Tassa's portrayal of her character and the various situations she puts him in are relatable for children.
This makes her book great for talking about how to respect for others. This book could spark many ideas and examples of how to show the golden rule, and maybe more importantly...WHO gave us the golden rule and why.
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Tassa also has two other children books out. Armadillo Learns the Power of Kindness and Tilford Rat Learns the Ten Commandments.