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