It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel

Name: It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel
ISBN: 9781413128529

For parents seeking a lighthearted approach to teaching manners, this book tackles social graces and proper behavior with delightful silliness and humor.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when gentle reminders about manners are met with resistance or a full-on lecture feels too heavy. "It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel" offers a brilliantly silly and non-preachy guide to social graces. Through a series of hilarious, contrasting vignettes featuring gopher-like creatures, the book illustrates the difference between polite and impolite behavior in everyday situations, from table manners to playing with friends. Its core message is rooted in kindness and considering others' feelings, but the delivery is pure fun. Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids, this book uses humor as its primary teaching tool, making lessons about manners memorable and even enjoyable.

Humor Cooking & Food Empathy & Kindness Growing Up Family & Siblings Friendship & Social Self-Confidence & Identity Making Friends

What Parents Should Know

Sensitive Topics

There are no sensitive topics in this book. The approach is entirely secular and focused on practical, common social etiquette. The tone is consistently lighthearted.

Ideal Reader

A 4-year-old who is starting to navigate more complex social settings like preschool or playdates and needs clear, fun examples of expected behavior. It is also perfect for a 6-year-old whose family wants to have a light, positive conversation about table manners without it feeling like a scolding.