Day 95: The Please and Thank You Book

My son received this as a gift from his grandmother when he was two and it was an immediate hit!  The Little Golden Please and Thank You Book contains fifteen little tales about manners that are perfect for preschoolers.  The rhymes are short -- more like poems, at times -- so are quick and fun to read.  They also address topics that are particularly relevant to the preschool demographic, such as sharing, playing fair, and how to be a polite guest. Ironically, none of the verses is specifically about saying "please" or "thank you," but the book does a great job of reminding children of the proper ways to (and not to!) behave.  Ricky Raccoon provides a perfect example of how to act when playing at a friend's house, "the Ox always knocks before opening a door," and "thoughtful elephants always remember to wipe their muddy feet" before coming inside. Leopards always wait for the light and stay to right when crossing the street. Then there is my son's favorite, "Don't Be Grabby, Gorilla," a title we find ourselves repeating to our son when he forgets to ask politely for something.  Of course, we also encourage him to be like the rabbit twins and try new foods when he is at the table -- "Funny or runny or something new, they try at least a bite or two" -- though he is not always as adventurous.  Does your little one have the tendency to slam doors?  You'll love "Not So Wild, Cats!"  "Wildcats make their mother roar, the way they slam the kitchen door.  If they would close it quietly, they'd see how pleased their mom would be."  Now that I think about it, my son actually likes the stories about how not to act the most ("Terrible Tigers" is another favorite.)  Hmm..... Regardless, this cute collection is a great way to remind our little ones about the importance of good manners while making them smile in the process.