Kids naturally develop social skills in the preschool years, so it's a perfect time to teach and reinforce social lessons. The books below serve as modern-day primers on courtesy, graciousness, and respect that will help kids make and keep friends – skills that will serve them well their whole lives.
"It's Hard to Be Five", age 4+.
The tug and pull of a 5-year-old's struggle with his "control buttons" is clearly echoed in the book's rhyming language, which kids will surely enjoy.
"Interrupting Chicken", age 4+.
Parents can use this book to remind their kids not to interrupt – or just laugh with them at the little red chicken's bedtime antics.
"Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf", age 4+.
Kids will identify with B.B. Wolf's worries and will appreciate the addition of a new friend, an understanding crocodile who helps B.B. figure out how to comport himself at the library tea party.
"The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story", age 4+.
Lola's an extreme example of bad behavior presented with humor. Kids will appreciate being able to laugh at her, and are unlikely to imitate her.
"Whoopi's Big Book of Manners", age 4+.
Far from presenting a stiff set of rules, this book begins and ends with a reference to nose-picking, and covers all the gritty ground in between.
"Emily's Everyday Manners", age 4+.
Emily Post's great-granddaughter-in-law Peggy Post and great-granddaughter Dr. Cindy Post Senning take their family heritage seriously, but with liveliness that suits a kids' picture book.
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