Dickens & Rumi

book

Goops and how to be them

Gelett Burgess · 1900

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Goops and how to be them by Gelett Burgess. This book is recommended for ages 5+; content notes include Strong language; positive qualities include Educational value, Kindness & empathy.

Ages 5+Source checked

Why this age? Simple verse and pictures suit young children, though some old-fashioned manners, insults, and social assumptions may need explanation by an adult. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age5+

Strongest cautions

  • Strong language1/5

Strongest positives

  • Educational value3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild name-calling and blunt descriptions of rude behavior appear, but there is no strong profanity or harsh language.

What’s good in it?

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The playful, whimsical verse encourages imaginative engagement with manners.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Specifically designed to teach social skills and etiquette.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and consideration are promoted as desirable behaviors.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on the value of good manners and consideration for others.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The book encourages children to act as positive, polite role models rather than emulating Goops.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What is one new thing you learned or became curious about?
  2. Why do you think the characters used the language they did? Did it change how you saw them?
  3. Which choice in Goops and how to be them would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Goops and how to be them, and what caused that change?
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