A Very Proper and Polite (but Always Fun) List of Kids Books About Manners!

A fun collection of books about manners for kids – because manners don’t have to be boring! Add them to your collection of best books for kids.

Just as we help children learn how to speak, walk, read and write, teaching them socially acceptable manners is important for their success as a contributing member of the community. Using good manners shows consideration of others, which is both kind and respectful, and people who use good manners earn respect in return.

Manners are learned behaviour. For children they are best learned and reinforced through practice and positive reinforcement at home, and gentle reminders or prompts in the moment that a specific behaviour applies. As with many big topics, I also like to use books to introduce or spotlight specific concepts, skills or behaviours. And while there are many ho-hum books about manners for kids, with a little digging you’ll discover there are some rather fun ones too.

Related: 101 Books That Build Friendship, Social & Communication Skills

Books About Manners for Kids

As always, each title includes links to an Amazon or Book Depository page (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you might not be personally familiar with.

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen One might think a dinosaur was a messy, impolite eater but, at least in fact, these dinosaurs are really very polite. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

The Princess and The Dragon by Audrey Wood is the rather funny and silly tale of a very impolite princess and a very polite dragon who decide to switch places. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Time to Say Please by Mo Willems reminds young children when and how to use good manners. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

In You Get What You Get by Julie Gassman Melvin must learn how to deal with disappointment – without throwing a fit! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Are Pirates Polite? by Corinne Demas show us that despite their rowdy, stealing, swashbuckling ways that pirates can indeed be polite. Available: Amazon

Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller Useful information about manners woven into a cute story about a Rabbit and his new neighbours – who happen to be otters! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins A fun twist on teaching kids about manners – with a rude cake and a cyclops as the main characters! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

The Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems The beloved Pigeon and Duckling are back, and this time the Pigeon has a lesson to learn about using good manners. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Manners by Aliki Wonderful, comic style illustrations are engaging and act as wonderful prompts for further discussion about manners. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Please, Mr Panda by Steve Antony A simple reminder about the power of please, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Do you have a favourite book about manners to add to our collection?