Reviewed by Jack Smith
The first time I met Robert Fulghum was in Roanoke, Virginia. During the spring of 1990, I was a board member of The Mill Mountain Theater, and we were preparing to premiere the musical based on the book, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” We were thrilled to host this stage adaptation written by Robert and one of our directors. Originally penned in 1986, the book is still fresh today and I think it will stand the test of time. Its premise is simple: the basic tenets that we learned in kindergarten still serve us well today as adults. In the polarized world we live in today, Mr. Fulghum offers a simple road map to treating each other with dignity and respect.
1. Share everything.
2. Play fair.
3. Do not hit people.
4. Put things back where you found them.
5. Clean up your own mess.
6. Do not take things that are not yours.
7 Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
8. Wash your hands before you eat.
9. Flush.
10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
11. Live a balanced life.
12. Take a nap every afternoon.
13. Be aware of wonder.
14. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
On the other hand, if you don’t believe in these tenets, I will be happy to cancel you (just kidding).
