It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

by Caralyn Buehner (Author), Mark Buehner (Illustrator) "ARE YOUR MANNERS MONSTROUS, OR MARVELOUS?..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
When a crocodile is eating an armadillo, should she put her napkin (a) on her head, (b) in her ear, or (c) on her lap? If you can't figure out the answer to this silly etiquette quiz, peer into the color-rich full-page illustration, where you'll find the subtly hidden letter c. Each page of this delightful book poses one or two quiz questions, designed to test whether your child's manners are monstrous or marvelous. When Mother Cobra is busy talking to Mrs. Python, for example, how should Cory Cobra get her attention? Should he (a) hiss, (b) eat a rabbit, or (c) wait quietly? No doubt your child will answer "Hiss" and then erupt into giggles, but will know that (sigh) "Wait quietly" is probably the real answer. Caralyn and Mark Buehner--creators of A Job for Wittilda and The Escape of Marvin the Ape--have succeeded again with this lighthearted alternative to the usual persistent parental nudging. (Ages 4 to 8) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
This comical etiquette book is "part Emily Post, part I Spy game," said PW. "The seek-and-find possibilities will surely tickle junior sleuths while turning them into the very models of modern manners." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140564276
• ISBN-13: 978-0140564273
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,609 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel, May 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel (School & Library Binding)

This book provided my son's preschool class with laughter and excitement. They were glued to me as I read this to the class. My children want it read to them all the time. My five year old loves to read it by himself and that is something he is really proud of, as well as I am.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Wait until your child is 5 or 6 years old, November 2, 2002

By A Customer

My 4-year old son was far less interested in the stories than the pictures (which are great and very detailed). However, the lessons emphasize good manners (waiting until your turn to speak, talking with your mouth full), although some are probably a bit lost on a 4-year old (i.e. how to answer the telephone politely, introducing your friend to your family memebers). I'm not overly impressed with this book in general.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, funny and challenging., January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel (Hardcover)

My 5 year old was having trouble deciding which bedtime story to choose when I began reading "It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel" outloud. Within seconds, the delightful words and outrageous answers had caught his attention, and he snuggled in with me to read the rest of the story. He never once lost interest, answered all the questions correctly (not a great feat, given the choices, but he felt successful nonetheless!!), and was thoroughly intrigued by searching for the not-so-easy to find letters. Great book!