Behavior & Manners
We all want our kids to be polite, but teaching them the importance of manners can be tricky. You might be surprised to see how many books there are on the subject! Explore the titles below.
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Saying “Please” and “Thank You”
Mind Your Monsters - This book is great for kids 3+, it’s silly, not scary, and teaches about the importance of saying “please.” How do you stop a gang of monsters from taking over? by saying “please,” of course!
Please Say Please - is a very funny book that I read every year in my classroom. It takes readers into different scenarios and asks if the animals in the book are doing things correctly or incorrectly. This book is great for taking a closer look at problematic behaviors with our kids in a light-hearted way.
Bear Says Thank You & Penguin Says Please are adorable and great for toddlers and 2’s.
Author, Elizabeth Verdick, has a fantastic series of books that take on many challenging behaviors. These books are simple, to-the-point, and communicate clear, strong messages. They have tips and strategies for parents too! I ABSOLUTELY love that the illustrations in these books feature children of all different ethnic backgrounds. They’re available in English/Spanish editions and you can choose board books or paperbacks.
Calm Down Time models great strategies for calming down, including asking for a hug, deep breathing and finding a quiet space.
Manners Time and Voices Are Nor For Yelling model appropriate behaviors with tips for parents and caregivers in the back.
Table Manners
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food and Como Comen Los Dinosaurios - If your little one is a fan of dinosaurs (like me!) he/she will love this book. You’ll both be laughing as you read about all of the things NOT to do while eating.
Meal Time- A simple and straightforward book that models table manners and appropriate eating habits. Perfect for toddlers and 2’s.
Turkeys Never Gobble! - Here’s a great book about manners that’s not just for Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for a very funny and engaging book about saying “please” and, “thank you,” as well as table manners, this board book is for you!
Behavior Books
Author, Becky Cummings, has a fabulous series called “The Magic Of Me.” This series is aimed at helping children to examine their choices, words, thoughts feelings and abilities to self-regulate. These books are full of gorgeous, colorful illustrations by Zuzana Svobodova, and lyrical rhyming text. These books are great for all children, and are particularly helpful for children with special needs.
My Magical Words and My Magical Choices have been SO helpful for our family, as we’ve taken on new behavioral challenges during this extended time of social distancing. Thank you so much to Ms. Becky Cummings for sharing these books with us!
My Magical Dreams - is a beautiful and inspiring book, full of affirmations about how strong and powerful our children are. This book reminds readers that they already have all of the tools for success inside of them!
My Magical Gifts - a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season, all about the joy of giving. From being kind to family members and being generous to those in need, this book is full of ways that children can begin to think about others and spread joy.
My Magical Foods is the newest addition to the Magic of Me series! I love the way this book talks about where healthy foods come from and why they’re so important. The gorgeous illustrations featuring a beautifully diverse cast of characters (as well as friendly fruits and veggies) is sure to engage your little reader.
The Bad Seed - Meet the Bad Seed, he’s really really bad! He never listens, cuts his friends in line, lies for no reason, is always late and never washes his hands! This fun and hilarious book is perfect for little readers with bad habits who will learn that it’s never too late to make a change.
Troll Swap - Timothy Limpet is not like other trolls, he enjoys being nice and tidy. The other trolls tease him and tell him to act like a “good” troll. Tabitha Lumpit is not like other kids, she likes being messy and loud. Her parents want her to be more polite and clean, like other kids. But what happens when they meet and switch places? They learn the importance of finding balance!
The King of Too Many Things - King Jasper is used to getting anything he wants. With the help of his friend, the Wizard, his every wish instantly comes true. But what happens when he wishes for too many things at once? A great big magical mess. This is the perfect book for teaching children about the downfalls of always wanting more.
A Kids Book About Money - I love the “A Kids Book About” series! These books tackle difficult subjects using clear language. This one deals with the subject of money, what it is, where it comes from, and how we use it. This book has been very helpful for teaching my kids about how much their toys cost and why it’s important to be grateful for all that we have.
Teeth Are Not For Biting, Hands Are Not For Hitting, Words Are Not For Hurting and Feet Are Not For Kicking can be used as needed, depending on the behaviors you’re dealing with. They model appropriate and positive ways to use our bodies.
Being Frank - Frank believes that honesty is always the best policy. He says whatever is on his mind, despite how it makes others feel. Frank’s Grandpa teaches him how find something positive to say, even when it’s difficult. This hilarious and engaging book is sure to make your little reader think carefully about their words.
We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices - This book is great! I love the way each page presents a relatable situation and the different choices that are possible. It’s simple, practical, and helps young readers break down the process of good decision-making. Featuring diverse and differently-abled characters, this book will empower kids to be more mindful of others and how their choices impact those around them.
Mind Your Manners - A fun and colorful rhyming book for your little mischief-maker! Meet this pack of misbehaving jungle animals and learn the importance of manners. This charming story is perfect for encouraging good behavior.
I Really Want the Cake - This hilarious book had my daughter and me giggling! Mom has baked the most delicious-looking chocolate cake, how can our spunky little heroine think about anything else? Follow along as she and her sweet puppy sidekick try to resist temptation in this tasty tale.
Gentle Hands - Here’s a fabulous book for teachers and parents! Filled with catchy songs to get your little ones following directions, manage their feelings and more. Songs like “It’s Okay to Ask For Help (to the tune of I’m a Little Teapot), Gentle Hands (to the tune of Frere Jacques) and “A-N-G-E-R" (to the tune of B-I-N-G-O) are just righting for getting kids back on track.
Dragon Was Terrible - What happens to a naughty little dragon who spits on cupcakes, stomps on flowers, throws sand, and takes candy from baby unicorns? Will a brave knight tame him? Or will he stay terrible forever? Find out in this hilarious book, perfect for the mischief-maker in your house.
Are Pirates Polite? - We just found this book at the library and we’ve already read it about a dozen times! Do pirates shout inside the ship? Do they barge in on their friends when they’re using the bathroom? Do they slurp their chowder? No, of course not! With fun rhyming text and silly watercolor illustrations, it’s the perfect book for teaching your little pirate about manners.
Waiting Together - if you have little ones, you know how hard it can be for them to wait. Every moment can feel like an eternity when you’re little, and that’s why I LOVE this book. With simple, relatable text, and the sweetest of illustrations, it explores all of the big, and small, things we wait for. From waiting for the cookies to bake to waiting in line, this story takes us through the feelings of excitement, impatience, and anticipation that come up when waiting. And what can make any wait better? A friend!
“Check back again soon for more titles!”
Quick Tips:
Preview the books before reading with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read the book slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
