Elem. – Manners Matter (Series NF)

Riehecky, Janet. Manners Matter. The Child’s World, 2022. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. (Hosted e-book $34.95 ea., $209.70 set of 6). Grades PreK-2.

After You. 978-1-5038-5575-5.
Excuse Me. 978-1-5038-5576-2.
I’m Sorry. 978-1-5038-5577-9.
May I? 978-1-5038-5578-6.
Please. 978-1-5038-5579-3.
Thank You. 978-1-5038-5580-9.

Each book in this series begins with the same introduction that stresses the value of good manners to accomplish a desired outcome and in making friends. This introduction is followed by a variety of scenarios in which the focus phrase could be used. Each scenario is illustrated by a photograph and a speech bubble that expands on the scenario with an example of natural speech. The scenarios end with a final page that states the general situation in which the phrase is used.  Additional information includes a song set to a familiar tune for each phrase, an activity, and a word list. 

THOUGHTS: Each double page spread in the Manners Matter series incorporates shades of a primary or secondary color to highlight the text and frame the photos on its pages, creating a layout that is engaging, yet keeps the reader focused on interpreting the pictures in the context of the proposed scenario. The book’s photographs represent a diverse community portray interactions between children and adults and frequently highlight facial expressions during the moment of interaction. This series has the potential to support social skills curricula for young children as well as for creating social stories within the elementary guidance and special education classrooms.  

395.1  Etiquette for children and young people          Hannah J. Thomas, Central Bucks SD

Elem. – I Say Please and Thank You

Rogge, Robie. I Say Please and Thank You. Holiday House, 2021. 978-0-823-44919-4. 28 p. $17.99. Grades PK-1. 

An interactive and imaginative book with human, animal, and make believe characters all doing their best to practice their manners. Each page has a situational phrase, followed by the appropriate response under the flap. Unicorns are waving hello, gorillas are new friends, mermaids are pointing fingers at farters. The colorful and silly illustrations are engaging. The pages are extra thick to minimize ripping for those eager flap lifters. 

THOUGHTS: A fun book to gift, to use for reading aloud, and for the littles to practice what manners they might already know as well as fine motor skills of opening flaps and turning pages. A fresh addition for libraries that serve the littlest minds!

Picture Book         Samantha Hull, Ephrata Area SD

Elem. – Thanks a Ton!

Moyle, Sabrina. Thanks a Ton! Abrams Appleseed, 2020. 978-1-419-74334-4. Unpaged. $16.99. Grades K-3.

Brightly colored digital illustrations with neon accents bring this book of gratitude to life. A young elephant donning blue overalls celebrates big and small moments for which he (or she) is thankful. Simple gestures like cheering up someone, making someone smile, giving a hug, and saying please will help children recognize that kindness and good manners can make a big difference in one’s day. Gifts big and small show this elephant’s gratitude, but children will laugh out loud when the little elephant presents a pair of super underwear.

THOUGHTS: Teachers will enjoy reading this silly rhyming text aloud with their students. It will be a great addition to any elementary Social Emotional Learning lesson that celebrates kindness, manners, and gratitude.

Picture Book          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD