Be Polite and Kind

We own almost all the books in Cheri Meiners series. This particular one simply and beautifully illustrates the aplication of everyday manners through different scenarios that will be interesting and often familiar to most children. It supports, through example, the work that parents do at home teaching children everyday manners. However, an added (and perhaps hidden) bonus of this and many if not all of the books in the series will interest parents of children on the autism spectrum. This and many of the other titles have opened a window to the kind of knowledge that simply does not come naturally to my daughter with high functioning autism. This title and others in the series (in particular Share and Take Turns, Listen and Learn, and Understand and Care) provide a framework for understanding social interactions and rules that is warm, supportive, loving, inclusive, natural, and most importantly, instructive. I have watched how the lessons contained within them seamlessly flow into her daily conversation and life ("May I please have some Cheddar Bunnies, Mommy?" - this after a couple of readings of "Be Polite and Kind"). I know they have helped her think through the kinds of things that do not come naturally to her and equally importantly, give her the language framework to apply them. I highly recommend these books not just for children on the spectrum but for any parent or even teacher who is looking for an entertaining, non-preachy way to expand upon lessons on good social behavior or more simply, per the title of the series, is interested in helping their child learn "how to get along".

I love all the books in this series. I am introducing these to my 4-year-old son who just started pre-school, and we are working on how he expresses fear/anger/sadness as well as manners. I have looked at quite a few options and like this series the best. This book introduces the topic of manners, shows examples of manners in actions, as well as the benefits of being gracious. Also, Meiners balances this with what happens when we do not use good manners and how we can make amends.

I highly recommend this and all the other books from this series. The concepts are simply stated and are dealt with in a variety of ways. It encourages kids to think through things themselves. The artwork is delightful. The books are short enough to hold their attention. The kids love all the books we have in this series, and you can find just about any topic you are needing help with.