Categories: Friendship & Getting Along, Listening & Co-operating, Manners & Politeness

At Home (Why Manners Matter)

This book covers the important aspects of living with others under the same roof while also providing good examples of the little things that can make life much more agreeable for everyone. It is written in a language that children can easily understand.

Author: Jillian Powell
Illustrator:
Publisher: Franklin Watts

The book touches upon a number of situations and issues important for living together: “Thinking of others”, “Sharing things” and “Helping out.” These issues are followed by “Caring for things”, “Listening and talking”, “Table manners”, “Eating”, “Saying sorry”, “Safety at home” and finally a synopsis of important things to remember. Each issue is illustrated with photographs and most not only include advice but also a question which the children should answer, such as: “What do you do when you can’t reach something you want on the table?” This provides food for thought.

Things we liked:

Well selected photographs which underline the messages clearly. I think this book will help children to learn how important consideration for others and good manners are when sharing a home. The text is well written, easy to understand and at the
same time entertaining. The photographs are beautiful and well chosen to underline the most important points. I particularly like that they show both father and mother spending time with the children.

Worth noting:

The book does not contain a story, nor is there a thread linking the different issues. It is rather a book of advice for children, written in a way that is easy to understand.

Review by: Carmen Ferreres