Manners

Fancy Nancy

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy. How Nancy transforms her parents and little sister for one enchanted evening makes for a story that is funny and warm -- with or without the frills.

Excuse Me!: A Little Book of Manners

"Please" and "thank you" are fun and easy to remember with Excuse Me!. Simple and repetitive, it's the perfect way to introduce those magic words that all little ones should know. From burping to breaking a sibling's toy, toddlers will love seeing these appealing babies in situations they know all about, and they'll have fun lifting the flaps to discover the right words to say-"Excuse me!" and "I'm sorry!"

How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends (How Do Dinosaurs)

What if a dinosaur's friends come to play? Does he mope, does he pout if he can't get his way? Does he hide all his dump trucks, refusing to share? Does he throw his friends' coloring books up in the air? Time and time again, children are told to "play nice." This brilliantly illustrated board book is packed with rhymes that will teach children how. Mark Teague's laugh-aloud illustrations, along with Jane Yolen's playful text, will show children that "playing nice" can be easy and fun. Perfect for parents to read aloud with their children, this book is as humorous as it is instructive.

Walter the Farting Dog

We hold this truth to be self-evident: farting makes kids laugh. Walter, an apologetic-looking dog adopted from the pound, passes gas morning, noon, and night, no matter what he eats, whether it's a 25-pound bag of low-fart dog biscuits, cat food, or fried chicken. On the bright side, "If Uncle Irv let one slip, he just went and stood near Walter." When Father reaches the limit of his patience with Walter's flatulence, he decides the pooch is once again pound-bound, despite Betty and Billy's pleading. Poor Walter knows his days are numbered and "He resolved to hold in his farts forever." That very night, two burglars break into Walter's family's house, and (you can see where this is going) Walter gasses the burglars with a "hideous cloud" that forces them to drop their loot and run into the clutches of the police officers, "choking and gasping for air." The next morning Father and Mother discover Walter has saved the day--or at least their silverware and VCR. "And so the family learned to live with Walter, the hero dog. And that is the end of our tail." (Or is it? Fans will be pleased to discover the next book Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale.) Audrey Colman's highly stylized illustrations, imbued with a surreal, Monty Pythonesque collage look, are as absurdly comical as this silly story that is purely powered by natural gas. (Ages 5 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Warning: This book may cause flatulence. Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can't help it; it's just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he's got to go! Poor Walter, he's going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. Destined to become a children's classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. Adults are permitted to laugh too.

Richard Scarry's Please and Thank You Book (Pictureback(R))

Illus. in full color. The animal residents of Busytown learn useful lessons about manners, thoughtfulness, and caring in this perky, funny paperback.  

How to Lose All Your Friends (Picture Puffins)

With exuberant pictures and a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, the author of I Like Me! takes a light-hearted look at bratty behavior that will have children laughing in recognition while learning exactly how not to behave. Colored-pencil illustrations throughout.

Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series)

The older children get, the more words they know and can use-including hurtful words. This book teaches children to think before they speak, then choose what to say and how to say it. They learn that there is a connection between hurtful words and feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. They explore positive ways to respond when others say mean or unkind words to them. And they discover the importance of saying "I'm sorry," two little words that can be a big help. Includes activities and discussion starters that parents, caregivers, and educators can use when working with children.

Change the page count to 40 pp.

Add the age range of Ages 4-7.

The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups

"Don't jump on your bed!" "Don't bite your nails!" Parents sure seem to have a lot of rules. To make matters worse, the reasons behind the rules often don't seem to make any sense. Could there be other, secret purposes behind these perpetual parental pleadings? Such is the premise of David Wisniewski's The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups, which has the look of a top secret, classified folder. A radical departure from his Caldecott Award-winning Golem, this book is pure wackiness. Inside, kids will find the "real" reasons behind their parents' rules. And, as Wisniewski reveals, grown-ups have more information than they let on--information pertaining to national security--that makes these admonitions essential.

Wisniewski's illustrations are bright paper cut-outs, featuring crumpled, torn "Security Clearance Required" documents that look freshly pilfered from a government dumpster. Although the conspiracy theories may be over a few young readers' heads, many kids will love the sense of getting an inside scoop. Suspicious youngsters will be delighted to find out, for example, that when parents tell you to eat your vegetables, it's actually to prevent vegetables from regaining world domination. Parents may roll their eyes and say, "Nonsense," but then again, they would say that, wouldn't they? (Ages 6 to 10)

Parents are always spouting these rules. Do they really care about nutrients and mattresses, or are they hiding something? Luckily, one fearless grown–up will risk his neck and his dignity to find out. Disguised as everything from a chocolate milk scuba diver to a giant nose, this counterspy uncovers the disturbing truth. And what he learns will shock you like nothing before. Startling suckface emergencies! Dangerous digit gangs! Powerful sumo cells! Those are just some of the secrets revealed in this book by Caldecott medalist David Wisniewski. But don't let anyone catch you reading it–especially grown–ups. Who knows what could happen if they knew that you knew?

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners

Move over Emily Post: Do Unto Otters is a guide to manners that anyone would be delighted to follow. Here beloved children's author Laurie Keller brings the "Golden Rule" to life in the form of Mr. Rabbit and his new neightbors, the Otters, who animate every page with their well-behaved hijinks, showing kids that a simple "please" or "thank you" goes a long way in making friends. And, as a special treat for Amazon.com customers, Laurie Keller created the four delightful new drawings you'll find below illustrating her unique take on etiquette for the office. Enjoy!

Amazon.com Exclusive: E-mail "Otter-quette" from Laurie Keller

More to Explore

The Scrambled States of America

Arnie, The Doughnut

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside

Grandpa Gazillion's Number Yard