After You!

From The Critics

Three very short tales are used as examples of when to say "after you." Letting someone else go ahead of us shows respect, and waiting our turn is only fair. Things go more smoothly when we act mannerly. Boldfaced discussion questions can help reinforce this basic lesson in courtesy with little listeners and readers. Part of the "Courteous Kids" series. 2001, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $14.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: C. Leonard-Schmidling SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)

Children's Literature

Taking your turn and letting others go before you is the theme behind these three short stories. Included with each is a question in bold type designed to promotes classroom discussion about feelings. Each open-ended question leaves plenty of opportunity for children to express how they would feel or how they think others may be feeling. If someone pushed in front of you at the park or took your place in line at the ice cream store, how would that make you feel? By encouraging children to put themselves in the place of others, they may actually begin to understand how their actions can hurt those around them. When you show respect to others they will respect you in return. This is one book in a series of six about good manners entitled "Courteous Kids." 2001, Gareth Stevens, $19.93. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Tolle