The way the natural world works is firmly based in logic and that logic, the foundation of scientific thinking, forms an important part of a child's world. Although their thoughts are usually simple and straightforward, we can all learn from them. Here are some of their truths, most of them picked up by teachers of primary grades:

• No matter how hard you try, you cannot baptize cats.
• When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
• A pencil without an eraser might just as well be a pen.
• When you are dressed like a princess, it is easier to act like one.
• Fish don't make very good playmates.
• It is easier to see the mistakes on somebody else's paper.
• Never trust your three year old brother to hold a tomato.
• Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.
• Don't sneeze when you are eating crackers.
• The best place to be when you are sad is grandma's lap.
• It is hard to unlearn a bad word.
• If you want someone to listen to you, whisper.
• When you are in a real hurry to start eating, offer to say grace.
• A snow day is more fun than a scheduled holiday.
• If your tree had apples last year, don't expect pears this year.
• Your room gets smaller as you get bigger.
• If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.
• Never yell, "Last one in is a rotten egg!" unless you are absolutely sure that there is a slower kid behind you.
• The best role in the pageant is the one that has the fewest lines to memorize.
• Never expect your friends to be as excited about your good grade as you are.
• Don't wear polka dot underwear under white shorts.
• Reading what people write on desks can teach you a lot.
• You cannot trust dogs to watch your food.
• Felt markers are not good lipstick substitutes.
• You can't be everyone's best friend.
• It's fun to play school when you're the teacher.
• Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.
• The time you most want to start over is when you are losing the game.

    You gain a greater appreciation for these children's truths when you compare them with some adult label instructions gathered by Bob Stuart:

• On a Sears hair dryer: Do not use while sleeping.
• On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner. No purchase necessary. Details inside.
• On a Dial soap box: Use like regular soap.
• On some Swanson frozen dinners: Serving suggestion – Defrost.
• On a hotel-provided shower cap box: Fits one head.
• On Boot's Children's Cough Medicine: Do not drive a car or operate machinery.
• On Nytol: Warning – may cause drowsiness.
• On an American Airlines packet of nuts: Open packet, eat nuts.
• On a Korean kitchen knife: Warning – keep out of children.
• On a Swedish chain saw: Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands.
• On a Japanese food processor: Not to be used for the other use.
• On a string of Christmas lights: For indoor or outdoor use only.
• On the bottom of a Tesco's Tiramisu desert box: Do not turn upside down.
• On packaging for a Rowenta iron: Do not iron clothes on body.
• On Marks and Spencer bread pudding: Product will be hot after heating.