Whenever I have been asked for books for children on manners and etiquette, it has been requested by a grandparent. Ironic? But it is clear preschoolers need some basics on good manners (so do many adults but that is another subject.) Luckily, many of the picture books on good manners are funny, or have a guessing game element, so the lesson goes down easy! For a project to do at the end of storytime, you can make a placemat with cutouts of where the silverware should be placed. This website has several good activities on the subject. Be sure to sing “Where is Thumbkin?” which includes proper etiquette for greetings, and saying thank you.
Buehner, Caralyn. IT’S A SPOON, NOT A SHOVEL and I DID IT, I’M SORRY. Multiple choice guesses offer up humor in these two books with funny scenarios that could benefit from common sense good manners. Kids will love guessing the answers.
London, Jonathan. FROGGY EATS OUT. Froggy learns some basic table manners while at a restaurant.
Yolen, Jane. HOW DO DINOSAURS EAT THEIR FOOD? With a brief rhyming text, the dinosaurs show us proper table manners (after showing us what not to do).
Aliki. MANNERS. This long-time favorite uses colorful artwork and a brief text to encourage children to be kind, friendly, and nice, which are the most important manners to have.
Joslin, Sesyle. WHAT DO YOU SAY, DEAR? and WHAT DO YOU DO, DEAR? Two classic etiquette picture books, these offer the child the chance to answer what would you do before hearing the humorous answer. With illustrations by Maurice Sendak.
Low, Joseph. MICE TWICE. A cat invites a mouse to dinner, who in turn brings along the dog.
Sierra, Judy. MIND YOUR MANNERS, B.B. WOLF. The Big Bad Wolf demonstrates proper etiquette when visiting the library for a storytime tea.
Bridwell, Norman. CLIFFORD’S MANNERS. The big red dog learns how to cope by using good manners in several different situations.
Best, Cari. ARE YOU GOING TO BE GOOD? A little boy doesn’t have the best behavior at his great-grandmother’s 100th birthday party, but he learns from his mistakes.