What Do You Say, Dear? [Paperback]

Sesyle Joslin (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 1986 | Age Level: 2 and up

What do you say when:

• you bump into a crocodile on a crowded city street?

• a nice gentleman introduces you to a baby elephant?

• the Queen feeds you so much spaghetti that you don't fit in your chair anymore?

This is the funniest book of manners you'll ever read!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"You have gone downtown to do some shopping. You are walking backwards, because sometimes you like to, and you bump into a crocodile. What do you say, dear?" This is just one of the delightful hypothetical situations introduced by award-winning author Sesyle Joslin in this "handbook of etiquette for young ladies and gentlemen to be used as a guide for everyday social behavior." Maurice Sendak's quirky, comical illustrations are perfect for this old-fashioned, whimsical guide to manners. First published in 1958, this Caldecott Honor Book and ALA Notable Children's Book is a time- tested, fun way to teach your children important lessons. By the way, "Excuse me" is the proper response to the crocodile above! (Ages 4 to 8)

From the Back Cover

Delightfully absurd situations and elegant and exceedingly funny illustrations. For this encyclopedia of manners, there is just one thing possible to say and that is, "Thank you, thank you very much."

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 25, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064431126
• ISBN-13: 978-0064431125
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Sendak, Maurice
  • #97 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > Social Skills

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the most memorable book from my childhood!, September 28, 2000

By 

Karan "tadaa" (Planet Earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Do You Say, Dear? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

I read this book in 1963 when I was 8 years old (for all you math wizards, yes, I'm 45) I was a voracious reader and this one book stands out above all the others as my most memorable read. I read it over and over and laughed just as much each time. I read it to anyone who would sit still for me and even now, when I hear some ask some insane question like "Would you like me to shoot you in the head?", I think back to my early training and say, "No thank you!" I credit this book for helping form my young personality and believe in all sincerity that I have the warped sense of humor that I do because of my exposure to this book. Get it, read it and then, if they are very polite, share it with your kids!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a hilarious book!, July 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: What Do You Say, Dear? (Paperback)

My 6 yr. old son loves this book and thinks it is hilarious and so do I! He loves to guess the answer after each funny instance and then see if he guessed it right. He's old enough to know that these are not real situations (like dropping in on the dutchess from an airplane through her roof or cutting off a dragon's head!) We just think it's very funny and actually helps him remember what to say to be polite. I think some of the other reviewers should lighten up and not take this so seriously!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique and Witty guide to Manners, November 30, 2001

By 

Susan B. - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Do You Say, Dear? (Paperback)

I loved this book the moment I read it. Maurice Sendak's hilarious and wonderful illustrations are a perfect match with Joslin's words. Humor is a great way to help children remember lessons, and "What Do You Say, Dear" is filled with funny /memorable scenarios that you and your loved ones will never tire of reading over and over again.

(...)