Books That Teach Manners

Now that we’re back to school and trying to get everyone back ‘with the program’, you might find this link interesting – Commonsense Media list of books that teach manners.

I would add another book we liked..

Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You Book – Richard Scarry; Random House, 1973

suitable for age 3 and up

In inimitable Scarry style, a primer on thoughtful behaviour, comportment at parties, being helpful, etc. Surprisingly comprehensive and only a wee bit preachy. Starring all your favourite Scarry characters. When my daughter was obsessed particularly interested in tea parties/birthday parties/etc., she quite enjoyed the short stories in this book.

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May I Bring a Friend?

CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER – 1965

May I Bring a Friend?

written by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

illustrated by Beni Montresor

Simon & Schuster, 1964

42 pp.

Age: 2+

Interests: animals, royalty, castles, zoo, manners, invitations

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The Cuckoo Clock

The Cuckoo Clock

by Mrs. Molesworth

first published in 1877

edition I read: London: J.M. Dent & Sons, 1967, with illustrations by E.H. Shepard

165 pp.

Age: 5 +

Interests: magic, birds, manners, fantasy, butterflies

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A Little Princess

A Little Princess

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

first published in 1905 (prior to that the story appeared as a serialized novella and a play)

201 pp., 19 chapters

Ages: (to be read to) 6 +; (to read) 8 +

Interests: boarding schools, girls, history, class, hardship

Also by this author: The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy

Next: MOVIES – A Little Princess (1939) with Shirley Temple, A Little Princess (1995) both with significant plot changes. TV ADAPTATIONS – 1973 and 1986, both apparently very faithful to original book.

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Edwardo: The Horriblest Boy in the Whole Wide World

by John Burmingham

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006

30 pp.

Age: 3 +

Interests: ‘bad behavior’, manners

Also by this author: Mr. Gumpy’s Outing, Borka, Come Away from the Water Shirley , Avocado Baby

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All writings posted here are © Kim Thompson, unless otherwise indicated. For all artwork on this site, copyright is retained by the artist.