16 Best Kids’ Books About Manners
When it comes to raising kids we hope that the mischief and misdeeds that come during the toddler years and resurface again during the teen years are just a blip on the radar. The rest of the time, we hope our children act polite or at least pretend to while in public!
Children are like sponges and we have the perfect opportunity to mold their behaviors during the formative years.
In addition to leading by example, sharing books about manners with our kids can help them understand when and why certain behaviors are appropriate (or inappropriate). You and your kids will enjoy reading and discussing these 16 children’s books about manners.
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Picture Books to Teach Kids About Manners
Join Emily and her best friend, Ethan, as they show you that good manners aren't just for special occasions; they are for every day. This charming picture book from the most trusted name in etiquette introduces kids to five magic words that make everyone happy, gives tips on mastering good table manners, and offers good advice on how to make and keep friends.
Manners have never been more fun and easy to learn.
Having a pet dragon is very fun. But what if your dragon is rude? What do you do when your dragon does not know what good manners are? What do you say to your dragon when he is often disrespectful to others? Get this book and learn how to train your disrespectful dragon!
A must-have book for children and parents to teach kids about good manners and respect.
Very young children will delight in seeing this all-star cast of storybook characters--the three pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, the Gingerbread Boy, and others--interacting with the Big Bad Wolf in an entirely new, funny, and helpful story about knowing when to say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me."
Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters.
OTTERS!
But he doesn't know anything about otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends?
Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises Mr. Owl. In her smart, playful style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor―simply follow the Golden Rule! A great message with funny chatter.
(Parent tip: I read a condensed version of the story with my 3 year old, and let the older kids read all the extra conversations on the page. It works perfectly!)
Kids today need manners more than ever, and Dude, That’s Rude! makes it fun and easy to get some. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more.
Kids learn Power Words to use and P.U. Words to avoid, why their family deserves their best manners and the essentials of etiquette (politeness online).
It seems like light reading, but it’s serious stuff: Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start.
Today’s kids need a fresh approach to manners that resonates with them. A Kids’ Guide to Manners goes beyond saying “please” and “thank you” with fun, practical lessons that bring manners into the modern world. From meeting new people to being a courteous guest to texting a group of friends, kids will have fun as they learn to use manners in a way that will make their lives easier and more enjoyable.
With 50 essential manners, plus interactive quizzes, entertaining examples, and at-home practice exercises, A Kids’ Guide to Manners teaches kids where, when, and how to use manners as they relate to everyday life.
A fun lift-the-flap book that helps the youngest kiddos to begin learning manners.
Through stick figure drawings and a brief text, beloved and bestselling children’s author, Munro Leaf explains why good manners are important. Kirkus believes Manners Can Be Fun to be the author’s “best, both in idea and execution. Manners books are perennials—hardy ones at that—and this makes first steps in etiquette easy and fun.” The children’s classic begins: “Having good manners is really just living with other people pleasantly.”
This pleasant book will explain to children why good conduct is essential in the household, on the playground, and beyond.
Llama Llama has new neighbors! Nelly Gnu and her mama stop by for a play date, but Llama's not so sure it's time to share all his toys. Maybe just his blocks? It could be fun to make a castle with Nelly . . . But wait--Nelly has Llama's little Fuzzy Llama! The fun turns to tears when Fuzzy Llama is ripped in two, "all because of Nelly Gnu!" Mama comes to the rescue and fixes Fuzzy, but she makes it clear: "I'll put Fuzzy on the stairs, until you're sure that you can share."
Penguin learns to say please in different situations throughout this sturdy board book. With simple text and vibrant photos, this is an excellent way to start teaching polite words and manners.
With the help of a friend, Grateful Ninja learns all about cultivating an attitude of gratitude. In a 5 Day Gratitude Challenge, Grateful Ninja focuses on being thankful for the simple things in life, both big and small. Find out what happens in this comedic book about developing a heart of thankfulness.
All of Louis's thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth and he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano!
My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time.
Told from Louis's perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.
Related: How to Talk to Your Kids About Bullying (and picture books that can help)
This first book in the new Responsible Me! series, follows Noodle through a very rough day at school. It just isn't his fault that his brother's game ran late and he didn't finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. Or that Mary Gold got in his airspace and hit his arm with her head...Join Noodle on his journey as he learns not to blame others or try to find fault; but instead practices accepting responsibility, and turns his very rough day into a very good NEW day!
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Mama has noticed that Papa, Brother, and Sister have not been using their good manners, so now it’s up to her to help get back on track.
Madeline loves adventure and is not afraid of mice. She loves winter, snow, and ice. And she also knows the secret to being polite is simply to be kind to others. With help from her friends—Miss Clavel, the girls, and even Pepito—Madeline introduces basic ideas such as please and thank you, sharing, cleaning up, and so much more. With charming illustrations and humorous verse, this new book will be treasured by Madeline fans of all ages.
Emily Elizabeth taught Clifford the Big Red Dog good manners. He always says "please" and "thank you," follows the rules, and SHARES with his friends. It's easy to like someone like Clifford: even if he makes mistakes, he always tries to be kind and considerate.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Amanda
As a mom of 4 kids (and the oldest of 4 kids herself), Amanda has over 30 years of parenting experience. A former special education teacher, Amanda has a Master’s degree in Special Education and a second M. Ed. in Educational Leadership.
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys DIY projects, exercising, photography, and long walks through Target.
You can find Amanda on all social media at @parentingnestblog and @amandaseghetti
