Good Manners and Good Friends
Please Say Please!
By Kyle T. Webster
Best for: Ages 4-8
What’s the magic word? In this lively new picture book from Kyle T. Webster, the word is “please.” When you want something, how do you get it? Do you shout and say “I want”? Or do you show some manners and ask nicely? On the first page of this book a young girl begins by shouting “I want a fish.” When an older gentleman says, “Please say please, and I’ll grant any wish,” the little girl changes her tune. This happens over and over again—parents will relate to that—until the girl finally gets the hang of using her manners and very nicely asks for a giant.|
The text is short and flows nicely. The main characters are a retro black and white style, but the scenes they are thrown into are bright and lively. The spreads are sure to draw readers in and keep them engaged. This book is a good addition to any classroom or home library.
What’s good: This book’s message focuses entirely on one word—please—making the lesson easy to learn.
What’s bad: Not much. Learning good manners is never bad.
Hello, Hippo! Goodbye, Bird!
By Kristyn Crow
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene
Best for: Ages 4-8
Are you ready for another unlikely friendship tale? This one mostly focuses on how to and how not to make friends. Hippo is annoyed that Bird won’t leave him alone. Bird is always there, sitting on Hippo’s head. Bird just wants to be best friends and share in everything. And he thinks being annoyingly persistent will pay off. Ultimately, both the grumpy Hippo and the effervescent Bird have to learn to like each other’s positive qualities so they can be better and stronger together.
The illustrations offer inviting contrasts between rotund and lithe shapes, as well as sky-high and ground-level perspectives. The humor is silly but right at the age level intended. This is a good story for classroom story time, so long as you are ready to discuss manners, as well as good and bad ways to make friends.
What’s good: Lessons in manners and making friends.
What’s bad: This title may get lost in the glut of books about unlikely friendships.
Agatha Parrot and the Odd Street School Ghost
By Kjartan Poskitt
Best for: Ages 7-10
Young girls making the transition to chapter books have no shortage of series from which to choose. This one was originally released in England two years ago and now is getting its debut on U.S. shelves. It stars Agatha Parrot, a high energy girl with a zest for life. When the Odd Street School’s clock tower bell begins ringing off schedule, Agatha and her friends decide to investigate. One of the gang hypothesizes there may be a ghost, and the rumor spreads quickly. Told in a very chatty, irreverent manner, this title will entertain and engage young readers.
What’s good: Silly and engaging, the dialogue is quick and direct.
What’s bad: The thin plot may leave some new chapter book readers wanting more.