What Do You Say, Dear? [Paperback]

Sesyle Joslin (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 25, 1986 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 530L (What's this?)

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."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (September 25, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064431126
• ISBN-13: 978-0064431125
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.2 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #148,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 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

Format: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!

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.

Format: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.

(...)

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a mere reference guide for proper social etiquette December 4, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Library Binding

Years after reading this book from cover to cover, over and over again as a child, I still smile when I think of the appropriate response to Bad Bart's inquiry "Would you like me to blow a hole in your head?" (A polite smile, and a simple "no, thank you!" as you ride off into the sunset...) The author presents one scenario after another of children in adult "dress up" trying on the roles of appropriate adult interaction in a surreal world of bad guys, bears, and top-hatted talking alligators, made even more interesting by the eccentric behaviors of the "adults" (walking backwards downtown, landing airplanes in parlors, and so forth). Somehow, it all made hilarious, yet deep and satisfying sense to me when I was a little girl. Sendak's illustrations are half the fun!