Pros: It teaches children about manners, and is funny. 'Nuff said.
Cons: I'd be showing bad manners by even suggesting such a thing.
The Bottom Line: The illustrations are goofy, but engaging. The words are clever, and wise about something children should be taught more about. It's a winner.
sean_mack's Full Review: Whoopi's Big Book of Manners
When I think of classic children's books, I usually think of the ones I grew up with and loved, such as Dr. Seuss' 'Green Eggs and Ham' or the Caldecott Medal winner 'The Snowy Day' by Ezra Jack Keats. But now, almost astonishingly, I must add 'Whoopi's Big Book of Manners' by Whoopi Goldberg.
Whoopi Goldberg?
Yes, Whoopi Goldberg.
Nah. You must mean Bill Goldberg, or 'Goldberg' formerly of wrestling fame. Wait, that might be even worse. I’m not sure that guy could write anything people would want to read – especially not children. Oh, how 'bout Johah Goldberg the LA Times Columnist, he might ….
I really do mean THAT Whoopi Goldberg. Let’s see. Just forget about the following temporarily, and you should be able to refocus for the rest of the review:
1. She made x-rated jokes about George Bush, after which her Slim-Fast peddling days were over. (Hmmm. Who ever thought the words “George Bush” and “Slim-Fast” would ever appear in the same sentence?)
2. She made the movie ‘Jumping Jack Flash.’
3. She warms a chair on the colossal waste of time called "The View."
4. Did I mention the ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ thing yet?
5. She dresses like those dudes who hang out in front of 7 eleven all day.
Okay. Mentally cleansed of all the bad press, controversy, and preconceptions? Let’s move on then …
‘Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners’ is actually a wonderful children’s book. My five-year old absolutely loves it, and it is so effective at teaching the importance of manners that I wanted to read it to her every night. And for about three nights straight, I did just that, but it was because she wanted me to. How ideal was that? It was like suddenly discovering that french fries are more nutritious than broccoli.
With topics like “Coughing or Sneezing Without Covering Your Mouth” that incorporate ‘echinacea’ in its lesson , and “Elevator Rudeness” that dares to use the words “stinky air biscuit,” it reads like something from the mind of Whoopi Goldberg. Yet, it is intelligent enough about children to use the words “kitty-cat” to refer to a fleeing feline in a lesson about “Interrupting.”
My daughter and I laughed together, as I pointed at the wonderfully illustrated pages, which were done by an artist named “Olo.” We also learned together, as Whoopi brilliantly incorporated into the book acceptable behaviors in other countries that don’t quite work in America. I won’t spoil that for anyone. You’ll just have to read the book to find out.
This is an overused expression, but there is truly “something for everyone” in this 40 page book. Published back in October of 2006 by Hyperion Books for Children, the age range is from 4-8. The ISBN number is 9780786852956. That should help you find it if the book isn’t displayed prominently in bookstores – which, by this time – it probably won’t be.
This book was a gift to my daughter from her grandmother, and is one of the best books she has ever received.
And, at a time when manners are rarely recognized as important enough to teach, ‘Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners’ is a gift to every parent who would purchase it for their child. I highly recommend that you do that.
Our beloved pigeon knows when it’s time to say please -- Queen of Comedy Whoopi Goldberg does too! In her enthusiastically irreverent style, Whoopi ...More at Barnes & Noble.com
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