
A parent might reach for this book when gentle reminders about manners are being ignored and a more engaging, humorous approach is needed. Instead of a dry list of rules, this book presents a series of hilarious side-by-side comparisons. On one page, a goofy monster slurps soup from the bowl; on the facing page, a child uses a spoon. This "mash-up" format makes the consequences of bad manners comically clear without shaming. By laughing at the absurdly rude behavior of hippos and aliens, children absorb lessons on empathy, respect, and social awareness in a way that feels like pure fun. It’s an excellent tool for starting conversations about politeness in a lighthearted, memorable way.
There are no sensitive topics in this book. The approach is entirely secular and humorous. All resolutions are positive and straightforward.
A 5 to 7-year-old who is resistant to direct lectures about manners. This child learns best through humor and visual comedy and is starting to navigate more complex social settings like school, sports teams, or formal family dinners. It's perfect for a kid who loves silly cartoons and big, funny drawings.
No preparation is necessary. The book can be read cold and its message is immediately clear. A parent should be prepared to lean into the humor and laugh along with their child at the silly examples. The parent has found themselves constantly repeating instructions like "Don't talk with your mouth full," or "Wait your turn to speak." They may have just witnessed a chaotic playdate or are preparing for an event where good manners will be important and they want a fun, non-confrontational way to review expectations.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA younger child (5-6) will primarily connect with the slapstick visual humor of the animals and monsters. They will grasp the basic "do this, not that" concept. An older child (7-8) will better understand the social reasoning (the "why") behind the manners, connecting the behaviors to concepts like respect and kindness. They might also appreciate the cleverness of the direct comparisons.
Unlike many earnest etiquette books, its primary tool is humor. The "mash-up" format of contrasting an absurdly wrong way with a simple right way is highly effective and memorable. Tedd Arnold's signature art style, familiar to fans of his "Fly Guy" series, makes the book feel like entertainment rather than a lesson, which helps bypass a child's potential defensiveness about the topic.
This book is not a narrative but a thematic guide to manners. Each two-page spread presents a "mash-up": on one side, a cartoon animal or monster demonstrates comically bad manners (e.g., a hippo chewing with its mouth wide open, an alien interrupting a conversation). On the other side, a human child models the correct, polite behavior. Topics covered include table manners, sharing, being a good sport, saying please and thank you, and personal space.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.