Teaching children good manners and respectful behavior is essential for their social and emotional development, and there’s no shortage of engaging books to help along the way. This collection offers a wide variety of approaches to introducing kids to important manners-related topics. From stories about respecting others’ feelings and understanding the Golden Rule to learning how and when to tell the truth or show respect for people, places, and possessions, each book provides unique lessons. Whether it’s using humor, relatable characters, or memorable situations, these stories make learning manners fun and meaningful for young readers. Let’s explore these wonderful resources that bring the art of good manners to life!
For some of the books on this site, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.
To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:
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Summary: In Benjamin Bear Says Thank You by Claire Freedman, Benjamin Bear is an energetic and playful character who loves spending time with his friends, Snippy, Lofty, and Stripe. However, he often forgets to say thank you, unintentionally hurting his friends’ feelings. Through gentle reminders and fun interactions, Benjamin learns the importance of expressing gratitude. By the end of the story, not only does Benjamin remember to say thank you, but he also passes on the lesson by reminding one of his friends to do the same. This heartwarming story is perfect for teaching young children the value of showing appreciation in their daily interactions.
Description: This charming book combines colorful illustrations and an engaging storyline to teach young readers about the importance of gratitude and manners. Benjamin Bear’s journey of learning to say thank you is relatable and entertaining for preschoolers and early learners, making it an excellent tool for reinforcing social skills. The lovable characters and playful tone make it easy for children to connect with the message, while the vibrant artwork keeps them captivated.
Reviews and Considerations: Benjamin Bear Says Thank You may not be as well-known as some other books about manners, but it is a hidden gem for teaching young children the value of saying thank you. Parents and teachers appreciate its simple yet effective approach to an essential social skill. Readers mention that the book resonates well with children, encouraging them to express gratitude in their own lives. With its delightful story and memorable characters, this book is a highly recommended addition to any preschooler’s library.
Summary: In Please Say Please! Penguin’s Guide to Manners by Margery Cuyler, Penguin hosts a dinner party for his animal friends, but their manners are far from perfect. From Hippo wearing his napkin as a hat to Elephant spraying milk across the table, the animals hilariously bumble through various table faux pas. On the following pages, Penguin gently corrects each mistake, teaching his friends—and readers—the proper way to behave at the table. By the end of the party, everyone learns how to use good manners, and the dinner concludes with a chorus of polite “thank yous.”
Description: This delightful book combines humor, engaging illustrations, and practical lessons to create a playful guide to manners for young readers. Each scene presents an example of bad table manners that children will find laugh-out-loud funny, followed by the appropriate way to handle the situation. The interactive style, with repetitive questions like “Is that right? No, that’s wrong,” invites kids to participate, making it an entertaining way to reinforce polite behavior. The vibrant illustrations and silly animal antics keep children engaged while subtly teaching them valuable social skills.
Reviews and Considerations: Please Say Please! is a favorite among parents, teachers, and children alike. Reviewers praise its clever balance of humor and education, which helps children absorb lessons on manners in a fun, memorable way. The relatable scenarios and repetitive phrasing encourage active participation, making it a great read-aloud option. Teachers have noted its usefulness in sparking discussions about table etiquette and good behavior. The book’s lighthearted approach ensures that children learn about manners without feeling lectured, and its charming illustrations add to the overall appeal. Perfect for kids aged 3–6, this book is a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library.
Summary: Respect and Take Care of Things by Cheri Meiners is more of a teaching resource than a traditional storybook. Designed to help young children understand concepts like respect, responsibility, and stewardship, it uses simple, relatable examples to show the importance of taking care of belongings and the environment. Through direct instruction and engaging illustrations, the book emphasizes actions like putting things away, handling items gently, and asking for permission before using something that belongs to someone else. It also incorporates lessons on environmental awareness, making it a comprehensive resource for developing key social and life skills.
Description: Part of the Learning to Get Along series, this book stands out as a teaching tool aimed at fostering character development. Its structured approach breaks down the abstract concepts of respect and responsibility into actionable steps children can understand and apply in their daily lives. With tips for adult-led activities, discussion questions, and additional resources included in the back, Respect and Take Care of Things is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to engage young children in meaningful lessons about how their actions impact others and the world around them. While it lacks a traditional narrative, its instructional focus makes it highly effective for character education.
Reviews and Considerations: Caregivers and educators praise this book for its practicality and ease of use in teaching children foundational social-emotional skills. Its clear language and relatable examples make it suitable for preschool and early elementary audiences, with many noting its usefulness for children with special needs. Reviewers appreciate the actionable advice included for adults, which enhances its effectiveness as a teaching resource. While some readers mention that the black-and-white illustrations may not capture every child’s attention, the content is considered highly impactful. This book is an excellent resource for teaching children how to respect their belongings, others’ property, and the environment.
Summary: Teach Your Dragon Manners by Steve Herman is a playful and engaging teaching tool that uses a mischievous dragon, Digory Doo, to model the importance of good manners and respect. The story unfolds as the dragon’s rude behavior—interrupting, demanding, and forgetting to say “please” or “thank you”—is transformed into kindness and consideration. Told in rhyming text and paired with vibrant, humorous illustrations, the book is both entertaining and educational, making it an excellent resource for teaching children social skills in an accessible way.
Description: This book is part of the Teach Your Dragon series, designed to help children learn key social and emotional lessons. Through Digory Doo’s misadventures, young readers are introduced to examples of disrespectful behavior and learn how to replace them with respectful, polite habits. The rhymes are simple and easy for children to follow, making the lessons memorable and fun. Although it lacks a traditional narrative arc, the book’s structure as a teaching resource is intentional and effective. Its humor and relatability encourage discussions about real-life applications of good manners and respect for others.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and teachers love how Teach Your Dragon Manners opens the door for meaningful conversations about behavior. Readers note that the relatable scenarios and engaging illustrations captivate young children, making it easier for them to absorb the lessons. Some reviewers highlight how the book helps children see the impact of their actions on others, while others mention its usefulness in reinforcing polite behavior, even outside of reading time. While a few mention that the rhymes can occasionally feel forced, most agree that the book’s overall message and engaging style make it a valuable addition to any child’s library. This book is a wonderful way to teach good manners while keeping kids entertained.
Summary: Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony is a simple yet impactful story that teaches the importance of politeness and good manners. Mr. Panda, with his box of colorful doughnuts, approaches various animals and offers them a treat, but their rude responses lead him to withdraw the offer. Finally, when one animal politely says “please,” Mr. Panda rewards them with all the doughnuts. With its charming illustrations and repetitive text, this story captures children’s attention while delivering an essential lesson about kindness and respect.
Description: This book uses humor and repetition to introduce young readers to the concept of manners. The contrast between the animals’ demanding responses and the polite penguin’s approach effectively highlights the value of saying “please” and “thank you.” Steve Antony’s black-and-white illustrations with pops of vibrant color from the doughnuts make the story visually engaging for children. Although the plot is straightforward and brief, it serves as an excellent starting point for discussions about proper etiquette and how kindness can have rewarding outcomes.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators praise Please, Mr. Panda for its ability to engage children while imparting an important social lesson. The humor of Mr. Panda’s abrupt reactions and the antics of the animals make the book entertaining for both children and adults. Many readers use it as a tool to reinforce polite behavior, often referencing Mr. Panda when children forget their manners. While some reviewers felt the book was overly simplistic or short, most appreciated its clarity and effectiveness in teaching the concept of politeness. This book is a fun and accessible way to introduce young children to the power of kind and respectful communication.
Summary: Time to Say Please! by Mo Willems introduces young readers to the importance of polite words such as “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.” Narrated by a playful group of mice, the book uses humor and simple text to teach manners in everyday situations. As a companion to Time to Pee!, this book provides young children with an engaging way to learn essential social skills.
Description: This book stands out with Mo Willems’ signature style of humor and vibrant illustrations. The lively mice narrators guide children through various scenarios, reminding them how polite words can make a big difference. While the book keeps the tone light and entertaining, it also emphasizes sincerity—it’s not just about saying polite words but meaning them as well. With its focus on essential phrases and fun visuals, Time to Say Please! serves as a helpful resource for introducing manners to toddlers and preschoolers.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers appreciate this book as a fun and approachable way to teach young children about politeness. Parents and educators find it useful for reinforcing manners and encouraging polite interactions in real-life situations. Some reviewers note that the book is simple and repetitive, making it ideal for younger children who are just learning these concepts. While not as dynamic as some of Mo Willems’ other works, Time to Say Please! effectively delivers its message, making it a solid addition to a manners-focused book collection.
Summary: Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! by Beth Bracken is a humorous and engaging story about Pete, a little monkey with atrocious manners. Pete delights in being rude, burping, picking his nose, and refusing to say “please” or “thank you.” But when his family starts mimicking his behavior at dinner, Pete realizes just how unpleasant bad manners can be. This amusing tale teaches children the importance of proper etiquette in a fun and memorable way.
Description: This lighthearted book uses humor and exaggerated scenarios to highlight the impact of poor manners. Pete’s over-the-top behavior and his family’s creative lesson provide a relatable and entertaining way to teach children about the importance of politeness. The playful illustrations bring Pete’s antics to life, making the story especially appealing to young readers. With its focus on cause-and-effect, the book serves as a great conversation starter about how one’s actions influence others.
Reviews and Considerations: Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! resonates with both kids and parents for its comedic approach to teaching etiquette. Many readers find the story relatable and enjoy how it prompts discussions about behavior in a non-preachy way. Parents and educators have noted that children find Pete’s antics hilarious but also come away with a clear understanding of why good manners matter. The book is particularly well-suited for ages 3-8 and is a favorite among families and classrooms alike. If you’re looking for a playful but effective way to discuss manners, this book is an excellent choice.
Summary: Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller cleverly teaches children the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, following the Golden Rule. When Mr. Rabbit gets new neighbors—Otters—he learns, with the help of wise Mr. Owl, that getting along is as simple as treating others the way you’d like to be treated. This humorous and playful book explores key manners such as politeness, kindness, honesty, and forgiveness, all through delightful animal characters and witty illustrations.
Description: This book is an engaging and funny take on teaching manners and social skills. With its whimsical illustrations and conversational style, children are drawn into the story of Mr. Rabbit and his neighbors. The book seamlessly integrates humor and teaching, with discussions about saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me,” as well as respecting others’ differences. The creative play on words and inclusion of different languages for polite phrases add extra layers of fun and learning. It’s a perfect read-aloud choice for classrooms or at home.
Reviews and Considerations: Do Unto Otters has been praised by parents and educators for its ability to teach social-emotional skills in a relatable and non-preachy way. Readers note that the book’s humor resonates with children, keeping them engaged while reinforcing the importance of manners. Teachers especially love using it as a classroom tool to introduce or review behavior expectations. Although some of the humor may go over younger children’s heads, the story’s message is clear and impactful. The combination of entertaining illustrations and a strong moral makes this book a favorite for teaching kindness and consideration.
Summary: Manners Matter by Marc Brown is a lesson-filled story featuring Arthur and his friends as they cleverly teach Binky the importance of being polite. Binky’s rudeness begins to frustrate the group, so they devise a plan to mirror his behavior back to him. Through this experience, Binky realizes how unpleasant it feels when others are impolite and learns that kindness and good manners make interactions more positive. A humorous and insightful tale, this book reinforces the value of treating others with respect.
Description: This engaging Arthur story dives into social dynamics and the consequences of behavior in a relatable way for young readers. With a lighthearted tone, it demonstrates how rude actions can alienate others while kindness can lead to better relationships. The book explores cause-and-effect, with Binky learning that politeness makes people more willing to help and befriend him. While Arthur and his friends’ approach to teaching the lesson might spark conversation about whether mirroring bad behavior is the best tactic, the story provides an excellent springboard for discussing manners, empathy, and kindness.
Reviews and Considerations: Manners Matter is well-received by parents, educators, and young readers for its humor and relatable approach to teaching life skills. Children enjoy watching Arthur and his friends’ clever plan to help Binky understand the importance of politeness. Some adults have raised questions about the strategy used in the story, where Arthur and his friends temporarily mimic Binky’s rude behavior to show him how unpleasant it feels. While this approach could lead to a conversation about whether using bad manners to teach good manners is effective or appropriate, the story ultimately reinforces the value of kindness and respect. This book is a great tool for starting discussions about how positive actions can lead to better relationships and why treating others with care is important.
Summary: In What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick, readers are invited to explore the consequences of thoughtless actions through humorous scenarios and vibrant illustrations. From littering to splashing at the pool, the book asks the pivotal question, “What if everybody did that?” The story demonstrates how small, inconsiderate behaviors can create big problems when everyone adopts the same approach. By the end, it highlights the positive impact of following rules and making thoughtful choices, leaving young readers with a clear understanding of personal responsibility and its effect on the world around them.
Description: This book uses entertaining examples and mixed-media illustrations to present the concept of individual accountability in a way that resonates with children. With its engaging format and relatable scenarios, it encourages readers to think about their actions and their ripple effects on others. The repetitive structure of the question, “What if everybody did that?” makes the book interactive and helps young readers connect the dots between personal behavior and community well-being. While the focus is primarily on correcting thoughtless actions, the story also ends on a positive note, showing how thoughtful actions can lead to a better world.
Reviews and Considerations: What If Everybody Did That? has been praised for its ability to spark meaningful conversations about social responsibility, manners, and environmental consciousness. Many educators and parents find it to be a valuable tool for teaching the consequences of actions and the importance of setting a good example. However, some reviewers noted that the book focuses heavily on negative behaviors, with the positive message appearing only at the end. This structure can lead to engaging discussions, but it may require additional explanation to reinforce the positive takeaways. Despite this, the book’s humorous tone and detailed illustrations make it an excellent choice for introducing the concept of collective responsibility in a way that resonates with young readers.
Summary: The Honest-to-Goodness Truth by Patricia McKissack tells the story of Libby, a young girl who decides to tell the truth no matter what after being scolded by her mother for lying. However, Libby quickly learns that telling the truth can sometimes hurt others when it’s done without thoughtfulness or kindness. As Libby navigates the consequences of her blunt honesty, she realizes that truth-telling involves more than just stating facts—it requires compassion and timing. This engaging story explores the balance between honesty and kindness, making it a valuable resource for teaching children about the nuances of being truthful.
Description: Patricia McKissack masterfully addresses the complexity of honesty in this humorous yet poignant tale. Libby’s experiences show readers that while telling the truth is important, how, when, and why we tell the truth also matters. The book presents an accessible way for children to understand that honesty should come from a place of kindness, not as a weapon to hurt others. The colorful illustrations complement the story, vividly capturing the emotions and conflicts Libby faces. With its engaging narrative and relatable message, this book is a perfect tool for teaching children the importance of honesty alongside consideration for others.
Reviews and Considerations: The Honest-to-Goodness Truth has received widespread praise for its ability to teach a challenging concept—truthfulness—with sensitivity and depth. Many educators and parents appreciate how the book fosters discussions about honesty, tact, and empathy. Readers often highlight how the story helps children understand the difference between being truthful and being hurtful, offering real-life scenarios they can relate to.
Some readers noted that the use of regional dialects in the narrative adds authenticity but may require explanation for younger audiences. A few reviewers also mentioned that the depiction of a spanking scene might raise questions for some families. However, the overall consensus is that the book’s message and storytelling outweigh these concerns. With its timeless lesson on honesty and kindness, The Honest-to-Goodness Truth is a must-read for classrooms and homes alike.
Summary: The Best Me That I Can Be: Respect by Rose Angebrandt is an engaging story about Keigan, a young boy learning the importance of showing respect to those around him. Through relatable examples, the book illustrates how respect goes beyond words and extends to actions, whether it’s asking permission, being polite, or fixing mistakes. The colorful illustrations and simple language make it an effective tool for teaching children what respect looks like in everyday life.
Description: This book provides clear, practical examples of respectful behavior, presented in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Keigan’s journey to understand respect emphasizes key lessons, such as asking before borrowing, showing appreciation, and making amends when mistakes happen. The story’s vibrant illustrations help capture children’s attention, while its straightforward narrative makes the concept of respect accessible even for younger readers. With its relatable situations and actionable lessons, this book is ideal for fostering social-emotional growth in children ages 4–8.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators frequently praise The Best Me That I Can Be: Respect for its ability to make a complex concept like respect easy for children to grasp. Many appreciate how the book focuses on both verbal and non-verbal expressions of respect, helping children understand that actions often speak louder than words. Readers also highlight the book’s emphasis on fixing mistakes as an important part of respect, a theme that resonates with children and adults alike.
Some reviewers have pointed out minor grammar issues and an overuse of bold and capitalized text, which they felt could distract from the message. However, these concerns are often overshadowed by the book’s positive impact on children’s understanding of respect. For families and classrooms, this story provides an excellent starting point for conversations about respectful behavior and why it’s important in building strong relationships.
Summary: Teach Your Dragon Respect by Steve Herman follows Diggory Doo, a dragon who struggles with understanding respect in various situations. Whether it’s interrupting others, cutting in line, or ignoring rules, Diggory Doo learns what respect means and how to show it. Through relatable scenarios, this story teaches children how their actions affect others and emphasizes the importance of respecting parents, teachers, friends, and even public spaces and belongings. The story is engaging, humorous, and packed with lessons that are easy for young readers to grasp.
Description: This book takes a playful and creative approach to teaching children about respect. Using a pet dragon as the protagonist, the story introduces common disrespectful behaviors and demonstrates the impact they can have on others. The narrative focuses on transforming negative habits into positive ones, helping children understand the value of respect in everyday interactions. The colorful illustrations and humorous tone make this a fun and interactive read, ideal for children ages 4–8. It’s also a valuable resource for parents and educators looking to teach social-emotional skills in an engaging way.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers praise Teach Your Dragon Respect for its ability to explain the concept of respect in a simple yet comprehensive way. Many parents and educators appreciate how the book addresses respect across various contexts, including people, places, and possessions. The story’s relatable examples and positive resolution resonate with children, making it easier for them to understand and apply the lessons in their own live.
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