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Cooperation

Manners, sharing, and socialization

What if Everybody Did That?

Environment, Manners

If you drop just one soda can out the window, it’s no big deal ... right? But what if everybody did that? What if everybody broke the rules ... and spoke during story time, didn’t wash up, or splashed too much at the pool? Then the world would be a mess. But what if everybody obeyed the rules so that the world would become a better place? Using humorous illustrations rendered in mixed media, these questions are answered in a child-friendly way and show the consequences of thoughtless behavior.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 6638 votes, reviews

Ellen Javernick

May I Please Have a Cookie

Manners

Alfie loves his mommy's cookies, and he wants one more than anything! But grabbing for one, fishing for one, and dressing up as a cookie inspector don't seem to work. His mommy says there is a better way. What is it?
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 6275 votes, reviews

Jennifer E. Morris

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My Mouth Is a Volcano!

Manners, NY Times Best Sellers

All of Louis thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth and he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano! My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. Told from Louis’ perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 5365 votes, reviews

Julia Cook

Teeth Are Not For Biting

Manners, Diverse Leads

“Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth are strong and sharp. Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth can help you chew. But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts.” Sooner or later, almost all young children will bite someone—a friend, a parent, a sibling. This upbeat, colorful, virtually indestructible book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives. The companion to our best-selling Hands Are Not for Hitting Board Book, Teeth Are Not for Biting gives reasons why children might want to bite. Little mouths feel sore when new teeth come in; sometimes kids bite when they’re hungry, tired, cranky, frustrated, angry, bored, distressed, or seeking attention. Author Elizabeth Verdick suggests positive things children can do instead of biting: chew a chewy toy, drink a cold drink, get a hug, tell a grown-up. This book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 5305 votes, reviews

Elizabeth Verdick

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The Grouchy Ladybug

Manners

From Eric Carle, New York Times bestselling author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and From Head to Toe, comes the classic story of one very grouchy ladybug. Eric Carle's bright artwork and signature style will charm both ardent fans and new readers alike. This board book features sturdy pages and is the perfect size for little hands. As children follow the Grouchy Ladybug on her journey, they will learn the important concepts of time, size, and shape, as well as the benefits of friendship and good manners. For generations, The Grouchy Ladybug has delighted readers of all ages with the story of a bad-tempered bug who won't say "please" or "thank you," won't share, and thinks she is bigger and better than anyone else. Readers will love how this testy ladybug introduces them to many new animals and learns that maybe being grouchy isn’t always the best option.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3926 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

Be Kind

Friendship, Cooperation, NY Times Best Sellers

"Be Kind is a sweet and thoughtful picture book about kindness that gets the message across without being heavy handed." - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor A New York Times bestseller! “These days, it seems more important than ever for books to show young people how to act with thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness.” ―The New York Times Book Review When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind? From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend. With a gentle text from the award-winning author of Sophie's Squash, Pat Zietlow Miller, and irresistible art from Jen Hill, Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how two simple words can change the world.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3663 votes, reviews

Pat Zietlow Miller

The Berenstain Bears And The Truth

Manners

This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about the importance of honesty. Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. When Mama goes to the market, Brother and Sister play soccer in the house . . . and end up breaking a lamp! When Mama asks them what happened, they tell her a series of whoppers that just get bigger and bigger. Will they ever tell her the truth?
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3396 votes, reviews

Stan Berenstain

Llama Llama Time to Share

Cooperation

Llama Llama has new neighbors! Nelly Gnu and her mama stop by for a play date, but Llama's not so sure it's time to share all his toys. Maybe just his blocks? It could be fun to make a castle with Nelly . . . But wait--Nelly has Llama's little Fuzzy Llama! The fun turns to tears when Fuzzy Llama is ripped in two, "all because of Nelly Gnu!" Mama comes to the rescue and fixes Fuzzy, but she makes it clear: "I'll put Fuzzy on the stairs, until you're sure that you can share."
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2793 votes, reviews

Anna Dewdney

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The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

Cooperation, Humorous

The Duckling wants a cookie - and gets one! Do you think the Pigeon is happy about that? The beloved Pigeon returns for another hilarious adventure that will keep kids giggling...and minding their manners!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2701 votes, reviews

Mo Willems

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How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends?

Cooperation, Friendship

The bestselling, award-winning team of Yolen and Teague present their fourth original dinosaur board book, a fun guide to friendship and playing nicely with others. What if a dinosaur's friends come to play?
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2534 votes, reviews

Jane Yolen

Do Unto Otters

Diversity, Cooperation, Friendship

Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. But he doesn't know anything about otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises Mr. Owl. In her smart, playful style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor―simply follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2089 votes, reviews

Laurie Keller

Let's Be Kind (Indestructibles)

Rip Proof, Compassion

Learn your very first manners in a book that’s indestructible. Let’s be kind—and share our toys. Let’s be kind—and help around the house. Let’s be kind—and always say “Good night.” Indestructibles is the trusted series for easing little ones into story time. Beloved by babies and their parents, Indestructibles are built for the way babies “read” (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are: -Rip Proof—made of ultra-durable tight-woven material -Waterproof—can be chewed on, drooled on, and washed! -Emergent Literacy Tool—bright pictures and few or no words encourage dialogic reading -Portable—lightweight books can go anywhere, perfect for the diaper bag and for travel -Safe for Baby—meets ASTM safety standards
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1464 votes, reviews

Amy Pixton

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How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?

Manners

The bestselling, award-winning team of Yolen and Teague are back with another playful dinosaur tale--a third full-length picture book about how dinosaurs behave at mealtime. How does a dinosaur eat all his food?Does he burp, does he belch, or make noises quite rude?Does he pick at his cereal, throw down his cup,hoping to make someone else pick it up? Just like kids, dinosaurs have a difficult time learning to behave at the table. However, with a little help from Mom and Dad, these young dinosaurs eat all before them with smiles and goodwill. As in their previous books, Yolen and Teague capture children's rambunctious natures with playful read-aloud verse and wonderfully amusing pictures.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 862 votes, reviews

Jane Yolen

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Sharing Time

Sharing

Sometimes it’s fun to share, and sometimes it’s hard. This book offers toddlers simple choices (take turns, use the toy together, wait for another time) to make sharing easier, and shows them where to turn for help when sharing is difficult. Little ones learn that sharing can mean double the fun—and sharing a while can make someone smile! Includes tips for parents and caregivers.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 695 votes, reviews

Elizabeth Verdick

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Mealtime

Manners, Food

Mealtime—“Yummy-in-the-tummy time”—is an opportunity to teach young children two major life skills: nutrition and table manners. Simple but important mealtime routines come to life as the toddlers in this book remember to wash their hands, use a napkin and fork or spoon, stay at the table, and eat healthy foods. Toddlers also learn the one big rule for mealtime: Always try one bite (“You just might like it!”).
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 435 votes, reviews

Elizabeth Verdick

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The Berenstain Bears Take Turns

Cooperation

Learn to take turns with the Berenstain Bears! When it comes to baseball and board games, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear make a great team. But the cubs’ best teamwork comes when they play “pretend” games like Robin Hood. The only problem is they can never agree about their roles. Good thing Mama and Papa Bear are there to teach them how to take turns! This new 8x8 storybook is the latest addition to the bestselling series. Share this funny, sweet story with the cubs in your home or classroom to help them as they learn the importance of taking turns.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 382 votes, reviews

Mike Berenstain

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Curious George Says Thank You

Manners

George is thrilled to get a thank-you card in the mail from his friend Betsy. It makes him want to send thank-you cards to everyone he knows. Who can he thank? George tries to remember all the people who have been nice to him, but tracking them down to deliver his homemade cards soon becomes a challenge. Now published for the first time as a stand-alone title, this lighthearted lesson in good manners includes two perforated Curious George thank-you cards for personalizing.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 108 votes, reviews

H. A. Rey

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School for Bandits

Manners

Ralph Raccoon looks perfectly normal. But he doesn't act normal at all. He's disturbingly well behaved, clean and tidy, shockingly polite, and he even brushes his teeth! Mr. and Mrs. Raccoon are worried—how will Ralph ever become a great raccoon bandit like Grandpa Cutlass or Uncle Whiskers? It's time Ralph learned some bad manners . . . at Bandit School. Ralph has no chance of winning the "Best Bandit in School" competition—he's not very bandit-like at all. But sometimes good manners can be useful, and Ralph just might surprise everyone--including himself.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 17 votes, reviews

Hannah Shaw

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Cooperation

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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