Table Talk: A Book About Table Manners

Bad table manners are hard to stomach. I am the Table, and lately I've been seeing a lot that I just don't like.

Some kids (and a few adults, too!) forget to wash their sticky, gooey, germy hands. EEEWWWW! Others chew with their mouths wide open, letting bits of food fly. Their spit lands on everything...even on my shapely legs. HOW GROSS! And then some people are glued to their cell phones and video games, ignoring each other instead of socializing. HOW RUDE! And why is there so much screeching, reaching, shoving and belching - yes, belching - around me? Won't you please help me make it all stop?

Listen up: mind your manners and chew with your mouth closed. Use your fork and your spoon instead of your hands. Don't stuff your mouth too full of food. Eat slowly, don't gobble, enjoy your food. Your meal took time to prepare. Wait five seconds between each bite, and show the cook how much you care.

Award-winning author Julia Cook serves up a satisfying message about the importance of using good manners at the table. Funny rhymes and colorful illustrations help young readers (and older ones, too!) learn the skills they need to know the next time they politely sit for a meal. 

Part of the Building Relationships book series, this story includes tips for parents and educators to help children demonstrate an understanding of being considerate and respectful.

Julia Cook, a former school counselor and teacher, has written many books on behavior and health for children. Julia has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving parents and educators the what to say and how to say it to kids. Her ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, parents and educators by teaching lifelong problem-solving skills to kids. Julia has received the Association for Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award, and her books have been honored by the National Parenting Center and Mom’s Choice Awards. Julia has presented in more than 800 schools across the country and regularly delivers keynote addresses at national education, counseling and character conferences.