Etiquette Books

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!

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

I think my 18 month old started out loving this book so much because it has elephants in it. We love to make the elephant sign and the noise "bfffuuuuttt".

Some times I change the words I read. For example, instead of reading "he never pushes or shoves", I say out-loud "the elephant waits by standing still" to eliminate some of the gender and the sometimes "dont dont dont" wordings. Partly because at 18 months old "never push or shove" sounds a lot like "push and shove". :) Older children will probably be able to understand words like dont and never.

But my 18 month old doesn't care about those things. And we love signing "hello friends", "please", and "thank you".

I agree that it is never too early to teach social manners!

Just dont feel like you have to read it word for word; change a couple here and there!

We also love spying the bears, rabits, mice, fox, lady bugs and hats!

Scarry has it right from the start of this endearing book: "Everyone likes the polite elephant."

What makes this book a must-have for toddlers: classic illustrations that children have been falling in love with for decades, a lovable, memorable main character, and polite social behavior taught through everyday situations that will be meaningful to toddlers.

Parents who grew up with Richard Scarry's books will like seeing familiar Busytown characters. As always, the illustrations are cheerful and charming, and there are only a few words on each page (which stretches the age range from just-old-enough-to-look-without-eating through the pre-reading years).

The book uses situations that are familiar to toddlers to introduce polite behavior, including greetings, waiting in line, being a good guest, saying "please" and "thank you," washing up before meals, sharing toys, and more.

An excellent addition to your own board book collection, or a great gift for a new parent or parent of a toddler.

Cute Richard Scarry pictures are always fun for children, and this book combines the fun of Scarry's cartoon animals and vehicles with many tips on good manners in several different situations. Needed by many of today's children.

Our 18-month-old can not hear this being read enough. We must read it 5 times a day or more, maybe much more, with him asking/signing 'more' again. The illustrations, as can be expected, are excellent. Best of all, from a parents point of view, is that it teaches the importance of manners.

Given the lack of manners that I often see on playgrounds (by parents!) I think that it is imperative that good manners be drilled (there is the 'd' word) into children when quite young. Good social graces are usually a surer factor of success in life than extra points on an IQ test. There is a plethora of books out about raising bright kids, but markedly fewer about raising polite kids.

I picked this title up in a supermarket on a whim, and found it a favorite with our little guy, who already likes to say "please and "thank you" as well as "How do you do?". Buy it.

A fun way to remind children about manners. Just a quick review!

I was surprised when my 7 year old pulled What Do You Say, Dear out of a pile of my childhood books. I was more surprised when it turned out both my 4 and 7 year olds loved it. Now both these books are weekly reads. The best part? The messages actually stick with them!

Saw What Do You Say, Dear? on Sesame Street @1973, got it, my daughters grew up with it. Then when What Do You Do, Dear? came out, I got that and my daughters grew up with it. Now my each of my grandchildren, ages 2-17, has his/her own set. They make terrific gifts. They teach with gentle amusement and humor but definitely. And it is fun for the parent or reader, as well.

The tight-rope was the funniest part of the book. What do you do when you see a lady walking on a tight-rope? You step aside and let the lady pass whoooooooaaaaah! This is a verrrrrrry funny book.

I bought Real-Life Entertaining used several years ago in large part because I found the book design so attractive (I've been a writer, editor, and publisher). As I started making the recipes, I learned that this book had more than just a pretty face. Recipes are clear and uncomplicated but result in memorable meals. The panettone bread pudding with cognac-caramel sauce alone is worth the cover price.

When I want to cook, there are many cookbooks from which to choose. When I want to entertain, I will go directly to Real Life-Entertaining. This book is not only full of simple recipes and menu ideas but also style notes that share easy ideas for making our homes and tables beautiful for our guests. Best of all, the author understands that my life is a busy one! She proves that I don't have to spend all day decorating to host a memorable occassion in my home. I like the party favor cellophane bags with chocolates tied with a ribbon trim and the idea of TASSELS on the backs of my dining room chairs! This book is my new entertaining bible.

I received this as a gift and have made over a dozen of the recipes. The grilled swordfish with lemon aioli is to die for! There are some great suggestions for how to plan, prepare and organize dinner parties. Starting with an empty dishwasher is one of them - it's so simple yet it makes a world of difference. The recipes are relatively simple and have been consistently very good. Out of the 20 or so cookbooks I have - this is my favorite.

This book is well done. It helps the one who truly wants to provide a memorable experience dining with all the tools and thoughts. From table setting to recipes to their presentation to total function planning, this work is chock full of ideas and thought starters which easily serve as do-it guides if one wants Donata to do all the thinking.

The recipes are not forboding or complex, but yet are very sophisticated, rich and easy to find ingredients and prep techniques. Some that especially attract my tastebuds are: Roasted Game Hens Stuffed under the sking with Herbed Ricotta; Duck Breasts with Cherry-Cabernet Sauce; Crown Roast of Pork with "Triple a" Stuffing; Beet and Champagne Risotto.

This is extremely well-organized which makes it simple and easy to use. Divided into major sections of Casual Suppers, Big-Deal Meals, Parties (with five listed) and Ways with Take-Aways. What is also an attractive feature throughout is Primers on various topics such as "D-I-Y Bar" Caviar, etc., Style Notes where thoughts on plates, centerpieces, etc. are shared.

Those looking for entertaining aid will find true, stylish relief from this delightfully done resource.