Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things
Author: Robert Fulghum
ISBN-13: 9780804199964
ISBN-10: 0804199965
Publication Date: 9/1993
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 3

4.2 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Ivy Books
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

62 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

hoopridge avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 252 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This book was popular when I started working in a bookstore in 1988. The advice and articles are still timely and easy to read. This would still be a good book for a graduate, teacher, or student, despite its "age".
bibliophile26 avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Robert Fulghum's wit and warm humor make this book a joy to read. I like that his essays are short and poignant, allowing even the busiest person a chance to sit back and reflect on the beautiful simplicities of the good things in life.

I already have two copies, so I posted one here. This is one you'll want to keep and read again and again.
honestaccountant avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 74 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things by Robert Fulghum...

Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything
Play fair
Don't hit people
Put things backs where you found them
Clean up your own mess
Don't take things that aren't yours
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody
And much, much more!
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this was a great quick read. He has a wonderful way of turning small and everyday ordeals into great tools to teach us things we need to know.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very thoughtful book on the things you learn as a young child carry throughout your lifetime. As I taught Kindergarten, it helped me as a teacher to have a better understanding of what I needed to be passing on to my students.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 130 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A modern classic, and a phenomenal bestseller, this simple collection of thoughts and gentle opinion has struck a deep chord in readers all over the world. Observing our times in his unique way, Robert Fulghum has tapped into the community that we all share and tells us something about ourselves and how to be the best we are capable of. He reminds us to share, clean up our own mess, take a nap every afternoon, and to be aware of wonder.
buzzby avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 6062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Several members of my first grade class really took the title of this book to heart.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you want to smile and even laugh outloud some of the time, this is the book to do it with.
aglet avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on
I could not put this book down. I found it refreshingly insightful and laughed through just about the whole read.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 13 more book reviews
Down-to-earth advice in easy doses; practical wisdom for living from a reliable veteran writer.
AsYouWish54 avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 14 more book reviews
Great Book! Great inspiring and funny outlook!
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 7 more book reviews
Charming book, quick read. i like the "essays" format.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 3 more book reviews
Cute, funny, good light reading.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 7 more book reviews
Keep life simple, makes you smile
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 124 more book reviews
Good insight
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 30 more book reviews
Wisdom with a good dose of fun.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 42 more book reviews
How true this book is
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 10 more book reviews
Easy and quick to read. Like it says: "Uncommon thoughts on common things."
Alameda avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 336 more book reviews
Fun to read - really hits home. Good book.
Harmony1204 avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 54 more book reviews
This is a great little book to carry in your purse and take out when you have a few minutes to smile.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 13 more book reviews
Fulghum makes life sounds so simple and so funny.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on
Great book for graduates. The basic facts of life.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 56 more book reviews
A classic that everyone must read before they "grow up"
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on
Inspiring, easy-to-read, great for people interested in simple and happy living.
GemGirl avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 37 more book reviews
This is such an endearing book that you'll want to visit it time and time again. It makes you nostalgic for times when life was simple, and actually is a good choice for young adults or perhaps high school grads, who are just about to embark on their life journey. It's a good reminder of all that is good in people.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on
Very enlighting, humorous look at life.
Willowgirl avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 294 more book reviews
Funny how a book can appeal to young and old and every walk of life.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 8 more book reviews
A light-hearted approach to life in general, but with some good philosphy and advice.
Mamaof3 avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 25 more book reviews
Love it, love it, love it. I think this book is hysterical, I can just imagine myself sitting down with Mr. Fulghum and conversing about nothing and everything- for hours. A delight and one I am forever keeping and I'm sure, reading over and over !!
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 39 more book reviews
Funny stuff. As with all the really good comedians, Mr. Fulghum finds humor in everyday things.
buzzby avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 6062 more book reviews
Some of my 1st grade students seem to have taken the title of this book to heart.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 20 more book reviews
The title says it all !!
Wickedly entertaining..............
A lot of enjoyable common sense at work.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 43 more book reviews
Very good quick read.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 215 more book reviews
These are the things the author learned in kindergarten, things that one forgets when one enters graduate school or the boot camp we call LIFE. Share everthing. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you sorry when you hurt someone. Wash your hands before you eat.

Yes, all of us need to be reminded about the most important things that we've forgotten. He covers much more than I can type here.
SanJoseCa avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 328 more book reviews
Insightful musings on how significance can be found in the smallest details and when lest expected. A modern day classic and a must for every home library!
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 8 more book reviews
A handful of books have magic attached to them and "All I Really Need to Know" is one of the rare few destined to become a modern classic . . .a collection of uncommon thoughts on common things . . .
luluinphilly avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 367 more book reviews
I thought this would be a list of things the author learned in kindergarten. It's really a bunch of stories he originally published in the Kansas City Times. The actual list is on pages 6-7. How anyone comes up with this list by reading the stories is beyond me. Plus the fact that this has been going on for almost 20 years. What a load ...
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 141 more book reviews
Such a wonderful compilation!!
Angeleyes avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 217 more book reviews
This book contains all the lessons we need to know to lead a successful life. It is a reminder that we learned long ago the lessons we need in Kindergarten to be successful at whatever endeavor we choose
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 16 more book reviews
Funny book - makes you slow down and think!
buzzby avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 6062 more book reviews
Little 2 to 5 page vignettes, some only indirectly related to Kindergarten (although it explains why everyone sings "Itzy Bitzy Spider"). Apparently, he used to live in my old neighborhood in Seattle (Leschi) probably in the early 80s, so some stories I can relate to, geographically.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 94 more book reviews
In a world that seems to become more and more complex, the simplicity of the thoughts expressed in this small book are particularly enjoyable.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 15 more book reviews
Robert Fulgham's bestseller account of life lessons and simple messages. Refreshing and fun to read.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 66 more book reviews
Great follow up to his previous "All I Really Need to Know..." book.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 61 more book reviews
I had to read this for summer reading in high school. I really enjoyed it.

Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday school. These are the things I learned:

Share everything

Play fair

Dont hit people

Put things back where you found them

Clean up your own mess

Dont take things that arent yours

Say your sorry when you hurt somebody

Wash your hands before you eat

Flush

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you

Live a balenced life --learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some

Take a nap every afternoon

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together

Be aware of wonder
mskerrimc avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 2 more book reviews
Amusing stories and anecdotes about every day life.
bethz76 avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 3 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book about what is truly important in life. It reminds us to live each moment and think about the little things that make the world so great.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 124 more book reviews
Pretty good. Humorous too.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 9 more book reviews
Humerous read by Fulghum about everyday events.
wss4 avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 389 more book reviews
FROM THE PUBLISHER

Here Fulghum engages us with musings on life, death, love, pain, joy, sorrow, and the best chicken-fried steak in the continental U.S.A. The little seed in the Styrofoam cup offers a reminder about our own mortality and the delicate nature of life...a spider who catches (and loses) a full-grown woman in its web one fine morning teaches us about survivng catastrophe...the love story of Jean-Francois Pilatre and his hot air balloon reminds us to be brave and unafraid to "fly"...life lessons hidden in the laundry pile...magical qualities found in a box of crayons...hide-and-seek vs. sardines - and how these games relate to the nature of God. All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is brimming with the very stuff of life and the significance found in the smallest details.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 404 more book reviews
"Uncommon thoughts on common things."
joann avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 412 more book reviews
Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life-learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 13 more book reviews
funny and sometimes instructive
justreadingabook avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 1728 more book reviews
A fun read.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on
it is one of the best books i have read
eierkopf avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 2 more book reviews
this is one of my favorites
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 211 more book reviews
My mother-in-law just raved and raved about this book!
Caffey avatar reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 120 more book reviews
This is the tradesize paperback
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 9 more book reviews
Quick read of vignettes. Truly worth it.
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 62 more book reviews
Very insightful
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 111 more book reviews
nonfiction...
reviewed All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things on + 134 more book reviews
[from Publishers' Weekly via AMAZON] To criticize these random jottings, some of which have appeared in "Dear Abby" columns and Reader's Digest , is perhaps akin to suggesting that the American flag be used as a rag in a carwash. Fulghum, a retired Unitarian minister, does not express uncommon thoughts here: his thoughts are those we all wish were true. The book's tone is set by the title piece, in which the author sets out his credo, ranging from "share everything" to "hold hands and stick together." He goes on to relate stories of a courageous and loving Russian soldier and Mother Teresa.