PLEASE SAY PLEASE!

The table manners of Penguin’s dinner guests are under scrutiny in this delightful look at mealtime behavior. Penguin has invited his friends to his house for dinner. Do they barge in without knocking? No! They need to knock first and wait to be greeted. Pig learns that the tablecloth is not for cleaning hooves; those should be washed before he comes to the table. “I hate cauliflower. Ew!” is not an appropriate response when offered something. Instead, try a little bit; it might become a favorite. Covering most of the common toddler and preschool misbehaviors, from burping and using a napkin, to talking with a full mouth and using utensils, this is a must for all parents struggling with the table antics of their small children. Hillenbrand’s double-page spreads are simple; outlines and basic colors make it easy to identify the animals and scene, but do not detract from the focus: mealtime behaviors. A must for every children’s library—and for the frustrated parents of young ones. (Picture book. 3-7)