Children's books put emphasis on manners
Most parents try to teach their children good manners. Sometimes, though, that task can be a bit exhausting.
Parents do get tired of correcting, monitoring, and forever having their antennas up to try and guide their children in a direction that make them well-mannered while not smothering their creativity or individuality.
All of this is a delicate balancing act that requires attention, energy, understanding, and good old common sense. And just when your toddler seems to be coming around to grasping what you've been trying to teach, he or she is exposed to peers whose behavior contradicts your teaching, and bang -- a backslide occurs.
At this point you may feel a bit overwhelmed (or tired, or frustrated). The good news is there are books that can add to the message you're tirelessly trying to drive home on the importance of good manners. Today's reviewed books are just that.
So whether you've run out of energy, patience, or you just want a couple books to help supplement your own words of wisdom and advice, the books below may help. After all, good manners are important, for children and adults alike.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book"</B> written and illustrated by John Bemelmans Marciano, Viking, 48 pages; read aloud: age 3 to 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.Based on the characters created by his grandfather, Ludwig Bemelmans, John Bemelmans Marciano has created a delightful book about some important, basic manners.Ably assisted by Miss Clavel and other familiar characters in the "Madeline" books, Madeline demonstrates such concepts as please and thank you, the proper way to say hello, little lessons on kindness and consideration, and how to say you're sorry.Written in rhyme, this charming and helpful book is full of good advice, humor, fun illustrations, and strong messages on an important topic: being polite.
<B>Library: </B>Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans City<B>Library Director:</B> Judith Pfeifer<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Patricia Pflug<B>Choices this week: "Biscuit's Day at the Beach"</B> by Alyssa Capucilli; <B>"So Happy"</B> by Kevin Henkes; <B>"The Westing Game" </B>by Ellen Raskin
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Please Pass the Manners! Mealtime Tips for Everyone"</B> by Lola Schaefer, illustrated by Kellie Lewis, Little Simon, 2009, 24 pages, $7.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 2 and older; read yourself: age 6 to 7.Basic mealtime etiquette is important, and that's precisely what you'll find in this simple, charming book. Children learn good table manners from a variety of animals; wash your hands before eating, using "please" when asking for food, using a napkin, using utensils to eat, chewing with your mouth closed, and to thank the person who prepared the meal.With flaps to lift, hilarious illustrations, and a pullout chart with gold star stickers to record a child's own table manners, this rhyming book is packed with important stuff.<B>"Milo's Special Words"</B> written and illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper, Robin Corey Books, 2009, 24 pages, $10.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 6 to 7.Milo's little sister, Lucy, is drinking a glass of milk. Milo decides he wants a glass of milk, too, but Mommy won't bring him milk until he asks for it the right way.Upon the advice of Lucy, Milo learns the special word Mommy is looking for, and voila! The milk appears. But will Milo take his new-found knowledge too far?Wheels to turn and flaps to lift make this little book on manners interactive, instructional and lots of fun.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
