The Animal Etiquette Book of Rhymes by Helen Cowles LeCron

This clever collection of animal misbehavior poems offers young readers a gentle introduction to social skills through reverse examples. Each verse presents a different creature demonstrating poor manners, from chattering Charlie Chipmunk to foolish Lulu Lambkin, providing concrete scenarios children can recognize from their own experiences. The twenty-four full-page black-and-white illustrations bring these ill-mannered animals to life with personality and humor. This poetry book cleverly teaches proper behavior by showing what not to do, making the lessons memorable through engaging animal stories.

Parents seeking character education materials will appreciate how these rhyming stories transform abstract concepts like etiquette into tangible examples children understand. The reverse psychology approach allows kids to spot the mistakes themselves rather than receiving direct instruction, fostering critical thinking about social interactions. Children who adore animal tales will connect with these imperfect characters while absorbing valuable lessons about polite behavior. This collection stands out for its ability to make manners meaningful through humorous missteps and charming verse.