cover image All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Robert Fulghum. Villard Books, $18.95 (196pp) ISBN 978-0-394-57102-7

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. Fulghum approaches each topic here with lump-in-the-throat sentimentality, which is sure to feed the public's perceived hunger for happy talk. First serial to Redbook; BOMC featured selection. (October)