Our local library has themed boxes with books, games, and activities. I grabbed one with the theme “manners,” thinking it would be great for my toddler, as she is four and aging out of the “everything is forgivable and cute” phase.
I was surprised to find that all three of my children (ages nine, seven, and three) loved every book in the selection. For more than a week they came together on the couch while we read through the books and talked about them. They reminded (or sometimes teased) each other if they forgot one of the manners or lessons they had read.
Manners is something almost everyone expects from children, but how much time do we really spend teaching them? These books were a great refresher for everyone the importance of manners. These are my children’s favorite books from the library box. In no particular order, drum roll, please . . . .
1) David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon.
This book follows a troublemaker as he makes some not so great choices. This is a silly and simple read that will offer some great conversation starters on manners, rules, and consequences.
2) What Do You Say When a Monkey Acts This Way by Jane Belk Moncure.
This is a wonderful book that gives every child relatable examples on manners, cleaning up, sharing, and polite behavior. This is a book I would purchase and keep on had to read when my children need a bit of a manners reminder.
3) Yucky Mucky Manners by Sam Lloyd.
While it’s a goofy, bright book, this one tells preschoolers how NOT to behave thanks to a story about jungle animals and their yucky behavior.
4) No Burping, No Slurping by Kara LaReau.
Introducing my children’s favorite! The book is about two children teaching their father about table manners. It has very silly moments. All three of my children remembered parts of this book the next evening at the dinner table.
5) Mind Your Monsters by Catherine Bailey.
Manners save the day! Monsters are taking over and causing mischief. “Please” is the only thing that will stop the trouble in this fun book.
6) Monster Knows I’m Sorry by Connie Rose Miller and Maira Kistemann Chiodi.
Perfect for the early reader level, this simple picture book teaches children to say “I’m sorry” when they make mistakes.
7) Monster Knows Table Manners by Connie Rose Miller.
Another simple book (perfect for the early reader) from the “Monster Knows” series that gives a great overview of table manners . . . as told by a silly monster, of course.
8) Little Dinos Don’t Hit by Michael Dahl.
Written for a toddler or preschooler in mind, this simple book is great for any child who struggles with big feelings that turn into hitting. The “help, don’t hit” message is catchy and practical.
9) Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen.
I love this book! The content — great for an early reader — led to some great conversations within our family about the weight of words. It was direct and engaging.
10) Bear Says Thank You by Michael Dahl.
Perfect for the preschool level, this read-aloud book provides a sweet lesson on when to say thanks.
