This was one of my favorite books 30 some years ago, and have looked for it off and on for years. I was thrilled to see it in print again, though I admit I miss the old hard orange cover. This book helped shape my concepts, taught me at an early age we don't live on this planet alone, and everything we do effects others. It also helped shape an appreciation for the off-beat and odd humor of the world. The illustrations had as much influence on my building a solid sense of humor as Bugs Bunny and Monty Python did years later. A truly funny, and insightful book that every child should get a chance to pour over for hours.

This book was published in a bright orange cover back when I was a kidling. I remember pouring over it's poetic rhyme and realizing many moral truths just by it's incidental teaching. What my mother bought as simply a "bedtime" book has, as an adult, shaped the way I think, and I find myself even saying to my husband, as he leaves the faucet running "what if everybody did?"

As we are preparing for our first child, I rushed anxiously around my parents home for that original version, and although we found it, it was in too much distress to use for our child's moral compass building, so we have purchased a newer addition.

This is a wonderful book, light and yet a positive reminder of what really would happen if everybody did what THEY wanted!

This book is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of "cause and effect," by stretching their imaginations to visualize what would happen if everybody did things like...

...make tracks? ...spill tacks? ...pull off a bud? ...jump in mud? ...slam the door? ...stomp and roar?

...and much, much more!

The illustrations, although in black and white, are absolutely hysterical! The book has a simple and gentle message of personal responsibility and introduces the child to a sense of community as they are asked to consider what would happen if everybody did...?

Highly recommended for children of all ages! A great way to help a young child extend meaning, and make text-to-world connections between them, and the larger world.

LOVE IT - LOVE IT - LOVE IT!!!!
This book has it all. This book teaches consequence as well as morality; it then shows an alternate solution to a bad/or thoughtless decision. It does all of these things in a very child friendly manner in a way that children can relate to and understand very easily.

Since I grew up reading this book, I know first hand that it helped mold the person I am today. I still had my original hard cover copy that my mom used to read us, until I recently lost it in a move. I was heartbroken, I wanted my future children to benefit from this book like I did.

I was estatic when I found it on Amazon. I not only bought 2 for myself to save for when I have kids but I buy one for any baby shower attend. I think this book is a must have for any child! I know my children will benefit from this book.

The number of stars this book deserves is as countless as the heavens! "They Didn't Use Their Heads" was first published in 1960, and my mother gave it to me as a gift in 1964, when I was seven years old. Throughout the years, I've often reflected on this book, pondering its simple, yet profound, lessons and wondering if I'd ever find it again. Well, in the *infinite* wisdom of the publisher, it's back! The true pricelessness of this beautifully illustrated book is that it speaks to children of *all* ages--yes, I mean adults alike: Its lessons will remain with you always. This book is a treasure and should be hardbound and displayed proudly on your bookcase among your other prized literature. Better yet, place it conspicuously on your coffee table for visitors to read: People are never too young or old to learn and grow and, well, maybe even "use their heads"...

The author compares why you wouldn't do things the wrong way or illogical way by showing examples of what would happen if you DID. For example, why weave cloth from a thick substance, because if you did the dress would turn out looking like "this"! and there is a drawing of the example. Fun for a young child to read, a refreshing break from serious reasons why a childl should do things the right way.