Etiquette Books

Monster Manners

This book really caught both my twins attention. The monsters are funny and not scary. We can laugh about the bad choices some monsters made and talk about the good choices they sometime made - just like we make good and bad choices with our manners every day.

Quick, name the most unmannerly group of characters on earth. No, besides a bunch preschoolers overdue for a nap. Monsters, right? According to Bethany Roberts, even monsters have manners sometimes. This book, written in verse, shows monsters at their worst and at their best. For example, "They might be very messy, / and leave things where they drop. / But they sometimes clean their rooms / and dust and scrub and mop." Every activity the monsters do is something kids can relate to, such as tearing up toys on bad manners days, and happily putting them away and repairing the broken ones on good manners days. Andrew Glass's monsters are warm and fuzzy. No need to worry about nightmares from this book. In fact, these monsters are an awful lot like little kids, who may sometimes forget their manners, but sometimes they don't.

This book is so cute and the illustrations are really wonderful. It is an easy read and your 5-6 year olds will soon pick up the words. It is my 3 1/2-year-old and 5-year-old's favorite book.

I believe that this book will mean as much to them when they are adults, as Three Billy Goats Gruff means to me. It is a fun read when you change your voice. I really enjoy it myself. Never boring no matter how many times you read it to them, and it teachs a great lesson to boot.

Like a spoonful of sugar, this fun book on manners makes lessons go down with giggles. With lots of monster exaggeration ("spaghetti sauce on our hair is nice", "stop eating my socks!"), these monsters portray typical etiquette and behavior situations that children encounter. They say please, thank you, and excuse me, return borrowed items, pick up their toys, do their chores, bathe, and exibit good sportsmanship. Sometimes they forget their manners and gobble and grab; sometimes they remember and politely pass the peas. Sometimes they quarrel; sometimes they hug. The illustrations of three lovable, silly monsters are colorful and playful and provide lots of visual humor. In the classroom, this book can be a springboard for discussion or for role-playing good and bad manners. This book is a hit with kids!

My Dog Never Says Please is as silly as Amelia Bedlia dusting furniture with dusting powder. First, you have a girl who acts, eats, and does everything like a dog. Second, you have her little brother correcting her on her manners. Finally, you get the girl to realize that she doesn't want to be a dog. I would highly recommend this book to any parent who wants to read to their kids. I also recommend this book to read to kids who need to learn that you may not want something you may just want it because someone else has it.

My Dog Never Says Please is as silly as Amelia Bedlia dusting furniture with dusting powder. First, you have a girl who acts, eats, and does everything like a dog. Second, you have her little brother correcting her on her manners. Finally, you get the girl to realize that she doesn't want to be a dog. I would highly recommend this book to any parent who wants to read to their kids. I also recommend this book to read to kids who need to learn that you may not want something you may just want it because someone else has it.

I read this book at a house to children I was babysitting for. The children and I both found the book to be quite funny and requested multiple readings. I was more than happy to read this book again for them. It is a great book and I am going to order it for my neice for her birthday!

Ginnie Mae's got a tough life. Her ma's picky about things like saying please and wearing shoes. Her little brother, Jack, is so perfect "he ha[s] a little halo over his head." Her dog, Ol' Red, seems to have things a lot easier. "My dog never says 'please,'" muses Ginnie Mae, "and no one thinks a thing about it." Finally, after a night of being told to mind her manners, eat like a lady, clean her room, and put on her shoes, Ginnie Mae declares she'd rather be a dog. Humored by her parents, she moves in with Ol' Red, to a life of treeing cats, digging holes, sleeping in the doghouse, and begging for scraps. "Ol' Red's real good about sharing. . . I think he's even given me some of his fleas."

Kibbles can't compare to her ma's cooking, however, and when it starts to rain, Ginnie Mae starts to reconsider her care-free lifestyle. "Pa says I can go back to being myself anytime I've a mind to. So maybe I'll just saunter on in and wash up for supper," she decides.

This story has some great comic moments that make my four-year-old laugh out loud, and even bring a smile to his oh-so-sophisticated six-year-old sister's face. I like the fact that even though the story is told through Ginnie Mae's voice, Ma and Pa are presented as perfectly reasonable parents. More importantly, the author, Suzanne Williams, lets the story play to it's logical outcome without moralizing. She allows her readers to draw for themselves the conclusion that good manners are a fair trade-off for the blessings of civilization. Tedd Arnold's illustrations are priceless, adding wry humor to an already amusing story. He gives us Ginnie Mae at the dinner table, the food flying everywhere, and Ginnie Mae and Ol' Red sitting side by side on their haunches, scratching at fleas. Funniest of all is the teeth-baring grin Ginnie Mae gives her annoying little brother at the end of the book, and his startled reaction to it.

I have purchased this book for both my son and my daughter and love it! The page layout covers the whole first year of baby's life. You have pages for each month. There was room to put every detail in from doctor's visits to holidays. I was able to put baby hospital bracelets, first haircuts, you name it and there was a space for it. What a great book for keeping up with all of baby's remarkable firsts! I recommend this one whether you like the Babar theme or not!

I must have flipped through 15+ baby books and this is the one I took home. It's very cute and there is room to fill in extra details if you want. I love the flow of the book and the pictures it asks for. I would have LOVED it if my mother had filled out a book just like this one for me. I'm enjoying filling it out for our April '08 arrival.

we looked thoroughly for a first year baby book and ended up getting this one. we are very happy with it. our baby has turned one and the book is filled with wonderful memories.

I love this book, even in spite of the fact I could care less about Babar. I sat in several bookstores, piled up every baby book they had, and went through them all (probably 15 in all), and liked this one the best. Here's why:

There is lots of room for writing whole paragraphs (and in some cases, pages) about your baby, not just fill in the blanks. Although in a few places, there are sentances like this: My mother's "height is _______, her eye color is ________, and her hair color is ________" those are in the minority. Usually a blank paragraph is headed by something like: "When my mother first saw me, she." Sometimes there is a whole blank page to answer a question. This is a book for people who like to write.

There are lots and lots of places for pictures. I do imagine that by the time I'm finished with this book, I will wish it had a spiral binding.

Some areas that are special or unique are the info about the parents (and their courtship and marriage), the grandparents, and the siblings. I also like the area for baby pictures of each parent. There are also places for both the mother and the father to fill in: "memories of my birth and first few days" and "hopes and wishes for me." Then they also seem to have covered all the usual stuff like places for ultrasound photos, a picture of the nursery, baby shower info, milestones, first words, and all that you might expect. By far, this was the most thorough book I saw.

Finally, the book does not assume your family is Christian; there is a section on the baby's first holiday. There is also a section for adoption.

So, I do wish this book was simplely styled (i.e. no Babar), but it isn't really too cutesy (and I hate cutesy), and the sections are so complete that I couldn't choose another book. Hope that helps you!

A great book to teach kids about the perils of interrupting others. How clever and with great illustrations.

This is a fabulous book that teaches kids to stop interrupting in a fun yet meaningful way. I work individually with kids and they often ask if they can take this book back for their whole class to share! All the teachers I have lent it to loved it as well!

This book is good for all ages and targets children who may need help controlling themselves or learning how to behave in a social setting. It is very direct, funny, and very relevant. This author is a genius. I recommend this book for special education classes, inclusion classes, and especially for children on the Autism spectrum. It is probably useful in many k, 1, 2, and 3 grades.

This book is fun and enjoyable while teaching young children when it is appropriate to speak. The pictures are a wonderful compliment to the storyline.

This is a great guide. It's complete, from planning to the event to afterward. I don't agree with 100% (I'm having black bridesmaids' dresses, so there!) but it talks about the reasons for most customs and has little asides about various questions and customs. A very good guide, not stuffy, practical. :)

I am getting married in July and my sister is getting married in August. She is my maid of honor and I will be her matron of honor. She bought a lot of wedding ettiquette/planning books that we have both been consulting, and this is by far the best. The author has obviously been involved in planning many weddings, from the most elaborate to the most simple, and she offers great advice. A must-read for the bride who wants as many personal touches as possible, but also wants to know what's acceptable -- and what's not. A very funny read, as well!

FINALLY! A book that doesn't assume I work as a designer for Martha Stewart Weddings. It offers guidance to all with such wonderful common sense (which I've found all TOO uncommon in today's wedding guides!) This book does not tell the bride that she can do anything she wants becasue after all it's HER day. Ms. Shaw comes straight to the point and tells you the truth. Just like a best friend. Only this best friend knows exactly how to word the invitations and seat the groom's family. And this book is actually funny! The examples of faux pas are excellent reminders of just how ridiculous and childish people can get when it comes to weddings. This book will help you make your day special, AND help you expertly manage the delicate situations that will surely arise along the way. Above all, its humor will remind you that weddings are supposed to be fun. This is a great gift for a bride-to-be.

This wedding book is very well done. The best part of the book is the fact that it uses humor. In an age when weddings have become the focus of obsessive mothers and brides that are out of touch with reality, Shaw uses humor to foucs on keeping the wedding tasteful and nice. The book is full of tons of practical advice. The use of humor makes it very readable for grooms!

This is an outstanding addition to my ever growing parental toolkit. I have raised one adult and I'm currently raising a nine year old girl. If only the book had been available to me when I was raising my son, I might not have made so many mistakes. Though I've learned from my mistakes, the book solidifies my concept of rules and consequences for lack of rules. Regardless of age, social status or economic status, there is something for everyone.

This book is a must for all parents!

The information in the 'Handbook' leads to lots of head slapping "A-Ha!" moments that seem so obvious but have complex and deep implications for the future of you and your kids. No book has all the answers, but this one leads to asking questions and finding your own.

It is hard to read this book without reflecting on your own parenting style and the rules you do/don't enforced. I thought alot about how my decisions would affect my kids. While reading this book, my husband and I debated which rules were important and what we ought to enforce as a family. I wish that we had read this book before we had kids!

This book was easy to read. I enjoyed the humor and the personal stories. I encourage everyone to get a copy and give a copy to new/struggling parents. I am going to try this Hoax with my kids. "I'm sorry kids, but I have to enforce the rules because the Official Handbook says so!"

I thoroughly enjoyed "Spare the Rules Spoil the Child!" book by Dr. McDonald. I highly recommend this book to any parent or future parent who may be challenged with raising a child/children. Obviously, parenting is no easy task! This book displays a great combination of parenting wisdom, guidance and humor so you can LIVE the process.

Mr. Amster sure knows his stuff! I learned plenty of life lessons from his book. It's a must read.

Mr. Amster sure knows his stuff! I learned plenty of life lessons from his book. It's a must read.

I found the book to be very informative and also provided simple anecdotes to akward situations that occur on and around a golf course

Like a blistering drive bisecting the fairway, Brian Amster's first book goes to the very heart of every golfer's vision for the game. The authors take what for most is merely a passtime and make it something truly beneficial. What insight. What charisma. Truly, a must read for every golfer and person interested in developing their inner self.

How refreshing to see such wonderful notes for all sorts of special occasions. I especially love Lamb's suggestions for ways to build traditions, and her ideas for enriching our lives by creating warm and loving bonds with family and friends. Here, too, is the best advice I've ever seen on real ways to repair relationships that have been fractured by harsh words and resulting grudges. Buy it, and embrace it, and cultivate a return to civility!

book was exactly as ordered and came in a timely manner. i would use this seller again.

Using the easy steps the author outlines in this lovely book, I was able to offer solace to a friend who'd just lost her job; and to another who'd just lost her partner of many years; and to still another who'd just learned she was receiving a reward she'd worked for for many years. It wasn't that I was "borrowing" the author's words; she helped me get immediately in touch with my own. And, I've never felt I expressed myself better and in a way that was more helpful to another soul!

Personal Notes: How to Write from the Heart for Any Occasion by Sandra E. Lambhad thought many times of writing a book on how to write personal notes, a nearly lost social art-form; however, I'm glad I never got around to it because I could not have written the book nearly so insightfully as Sandra. She combines the "how to's" of polite and pertinent note writing with wisdom of the spirit and heart of both the sender and receiver of the notes. Not only does she guide you in how to write notes, she also guides you in the psychology and empathy required to write from your heart. You'll learn how to put yourself in another's shoes in order to know how and when to reach out witrh a note. A very helpful and knowledgeable book for every home, a great tool for teachers and parents, and important skills for business and interpersonal relationships. This would be an excellent graduation or wedding shower gift. Personal Notes is really worth having

If I could make any comment at all, it would be to not be fooled by the title! Although it has recipes and food ideas, it is FAR MORE than that! I loved it! If you entertain a little... or a lot... this is a MUST!

I love this book. My favorite party so far was the bowling theme! It works great for kids or adults. The decorating ideas made our party a hit! Another great one is the Pet theme! We just got a new puppy and had to celebrate! These recipes are easy to make from ingredients you can find in any kitchen! Put this book in your collection to help make every party memorable! I highly recommend this book.

This gal really knows how to throw the best parties. Her ideas are fresh and fun. We have used this new book twice already with great results --- parties people are still talking about. Why try to think of a special way to celebrate when you've got 'this Party Lady' at your fingertips. Order the book! You'll use it.

I own a retail gift shop in North Carolina and have had great success selling the Pick-A-Party Cookbook. I sell copies of the book to customers who have returned to buy them for gifts. One lady bought a total of 4 books. She bought one for herself, went home and made up some of the recipes, then returned to buy 3 copies for her friends! These recipes can be used year-round! I feel great recommending this book to anyone. Even if they have a large cookbook collection. The decorating ideas in this book are first rate. I also recommend the book for people who throw large parties or maybe someone arranging a family reunion. Patty Sachs gives food and beverage guidelines for large groups! I've never come across that in other books. Simply put, buy the book!

this is a great book, one of the best that I have read. It has shown me great ways to plan my wedding; it also gives stories about other persons weddings. I would recommend this book to anyone that would like suggestions or tips for their wedding.

Whether your have four months, six months, one year, or more to plan a wedding, why should it take so much of your time and energy? In Planning Your Wedding In No Time author Lean Ingram takes the entire wedding planning process and presents it in a fashion to help you make decisions swiftly, giving attention to all the important details. While making it fun, this book will give brides-to-be the confidence to handle wedding preparations with satisfaction.

This book is a fabulous, no-nonsense read. If you're struggling to get your arms around the gargantuan task of putting together a beautiful wedding, this book is for you! With simple to follow, chronological steps, it outlines exactly what you need to do to make your wedding the most memorable day of your life. From creating guest lists to addressing who handles various expenses, Plan Your Wedding in No Time, offers tactical strategies to make the most difficult decisions easier. Highly recommended!

In the world of wedding planning there are two very distinct types of brides. In one corner we have those that delight in fussing over even the most minuscule wedding details, regardless of the endless time it consumes, seeming to enjoy the process as much as they do the end result. And in the other corner there are those busy brides who either simply don't have that kind of time, or just aren't into obsessing over details - they just want to get the job done so they can get on with the celebration.

Plan Your Wedding... In No Time by-passes the "fru-fru", getting you right down to the nitty-gritty of wedding planning. The average wedding takes about 250 hours to plan, making it rather like a second job for the typical bride-to-be. This presents quite the challenge for many of todays's brides, who are often juggling a whole whack of existing demands on their time, which can range from career responsibilities to children.

If you are the sort of bride who simply doesn't have time to obsess over every step in the wedding planning process, or if you find yourself easily overwhelmed by details, this is the book for you. Practical advice is presented in a well organized format to take you step by step through the planning process, cutting through the fluff, for a no-nonsense, down to business approach to just getting the job done. The charts, resource lists, icons, and tip boxes make this book particularly attractive for the visual learner. Though it covers a lot of ground, it's not overwhelmingly text-heavy.

Presented in an easy to read, conversational style, each section provides to-do lists, time estimates, and special notes and tips to make the process as straight-forward and well organized as possible. Handy text boxes are dotted throughout the book's pages making it easy for the reader to quickly zero in on important information. Even the more organizationally challenged bride will feel like she's got it under control.

The time estimates provided for each task are a real plus since the typical bride is not an experienced wedding planner and generally has no idea when trying to realistically determine how much time the process will take.

Overall, Plan Your Wedding... In No Time offers efficient advice to jump-start the planning process. A terrific approach to wedding planning for the busy, no-nonsense bride who just wants to get the planning done and put away - so she can focus on the fun