Manners at the Park

Text: Arianna Candell

Illustrations: Rosa M. Curto

Year: 2012

Publisher: Salariya Book Company, UK

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 36

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 1 90817 710 0

It’s never too early to introduce children to rules and manners. The earlier the exposure, the sooner they’ll understand that following rules helps keep everyone safe and happy which is what this book attempts to impart to little ones.

The book takes us into Lily’s neighborhood. As each good manner is explained, we meet Lily’s friends. The book covers most manners and rules while playing at the park – taking turns, litter, involving others, new toys, holding grown-ups’ hands when crossing the road and more.

Excerpt

Rosie loves the swings so much that she could spend the whole day there! She doesn’t see the other kids waiting for a turn, so the queue is getting longer and longer. 

Duck says Don’t!

Text: Alison Ritchie

Illustrations: Hannah George

Year:  2012

Publisher:  Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 316 1

Here’s a gem from the Little Tiger Press.

Goose’s Pond is a haven of fun, frolicking and friendship. However, Goose has to go away on a holiday and leaves the duck in charge, who errrmm…takes his charge a bit too seriously.

Soon, the Pond is smothered by several “Don’t” signs put up by an overly-conscientious duck. He soon sees the error of his ways.

The illustrations are simply delightful and the story, hilarious. Though there is an important message hidden in there ... 

Excerpt

Duck was having a little nap when the frogs dived into the water, SPLASH!

“Frogs!”Duck yelled. “What do you think you’re doing? Diving is forbidden!”

“Forbidden?” said the frogs angrily. “Says who?”

Little Miss Bossy and the Magic Word

Concept: Roger Hargreaves

Author and Illustrator: Adam Hargreaves

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Egmont UK Ltd., London

Year: 1998

Website: Mr. Men

Meet Miss Bossy. Like her name suggests, she is pushy and rude. It means she also uses words like nonsense and shut up. And she hasn't learned to say the magic words- ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’. By the end of the book, she does begin to use them but her bossiness – well, you’ll have to find out for yourself.

The book uses non-fussy, smiley-face illustrations to complement a simple story that conveys a clear message.

A caution here. If your children haven’t been introduced to ‘Nonsense!’ and ‘Shut up!’ then please do take the time to explain their inappropriateness.

Excerpt

It was Mr Small who decided that something had to be done.

He went to see Little Miss Magic.

And once he had explained the problem, she agreed to teach Miss Bossy a lesson.

“… and I think I know just how to do it,” she replied.