Youngsters often have a surprisingly firm grip on all the important answers -- and not just to elementary-school exams. On some subjects, that's true of Alec Greven, a boy from Castle Rock, Colorado, who wrote a children's book, How to Talk to Girls (2008, Collins, 48 pages).
“Are you smart enough to take over a girl's heart?” the book asks. For most males, the truthful answer would be “seldom”.
An avid reader and writer, Greven started the book as a class project when he was eight years old. Once published and heavily promoted, it reached the New York Times bestseller list.
The young author watched his classmates and eavesdropped on their playground chats. “By the way, all statistics in this book are based on my observations at Soaring Hawk Elementary School. They aren't worldwide. I would have to do a lot more research for that.”
Using his conclusions and a knack for straight talk, Greven charges ahead. He opens with questions that constantly torment boys (and then men): “Do you have a crush on a girl? Is the girl you like just too pretty for your eyes? Do you know what to say to a girl to make her like you? What are you waiting for?”
Much of the ensuing advice reflects wisdom beyond the author's tender age. “You also have to be aware that girls win most of the arguments and have most of the power. If you know that now, things might be easier.”
No relationship advice could get more sage than this: “Go for a talkative girl if you are shy. Then you only have to say one sentence, and she will do the rest of the talking.... You want her to talk. If she doesn't talk, then you have to.”
Even modest beginnings may lead to spectacular results. “If you want to start a conversation with a girl, first you have to say something like ‘hi’. If she says ‘hi’ back, you are off to a good start.”
Many of Greven's tips could help males of all ages everywhere. For example:
-- use caution;
-- look clean;
-- don't act desperate;
-- give compliments;
-- don't let them get to you;
-- don't brag; and
-- make sure you have good friends who won't try to take the girl you like.
As appropriate, the author reassures and encourages. “Girls are everywhere. It is not hard to find a girl. The trick is how do you find the right girl for you?”
He even tries to be funny. “Most boys go for the pretty girls. It is easy to spot pretty girls because they have the big earrings, fancy dresses, and all the jewelry.”
Playful illustrations by Kei Acedera match the book's youthful spirit. They remind that boy-girl interactions, while important, take a certain lighthearted flair. Even serious failures aren't fatal. “Sometimes you get a girl to like you, and then she ditches you. Life is hard, move on!”
Writing success led the child-author to appear on famous TV shows like The Tonight Show and Good Morning America. Soon he wrote other self-help books: How to Talk to Moms, How to Talk to Dads, How to Talk to Santa and Rules For School.
Not many words appear in this book, but those that do resonate with common sense. Readers wise enough to apply the advice should benefit all the way from elementary schools to retirement homes.
Never forget, “You have to be able to get over a crush if it doesn't work out. A crush is like a love disease. It can drive you mad.”
Approval rating: 72 per cent.
For more information: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
(November 23, 2011)
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