Author: Angela Russ-Ayon

Illustrator: Irina Mirskaya

 

We Love the Company:

A Story About Table Manners

(Children's Multicultural Picture Book)​

 

Let’s go to the table and all take a seat for a wonderful review of what to do and what not to do while dining. Join this diverse, multicultural group of friends as they dine together and explain proper table manners from their amusing point of view. When we use our manners, we show respect for others and appreciation for what we have. In addition, according to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior and a voluminous body of research, the best strategy for improving a child’s diet is simply putting a well-balanced meal on the table and sitting down together to eat it. This picture book engages young children with relatable characters and lyrical prose while showcasing a beautiful watercolor and batik style. Cheers and bon appétit!  Ages 4 and up. 

 

Proper etiquette can be transferred inside or outside of the home and into the classroom. We don’t reach over people to get what we need no matter what we are doing. We sit correctly at the table. We say “please” and “thank you.” We don't hog all of the strawberries, just like we don’t hoard all of the markers. And we offer to clean up when we are finished with an activity.  

 

Dining together….

• …provides an opportunity for children to learn and practice proper table manners.

• …gives caregivers and guests a chance to be good role models with proper eating habits.

• …allows caregivers an opportunity to observe children's eating habits, encouraging them to control and diversify portions, eat slowly, pay attention to feelings of hunger and fullness, and learn about what they're eating.

• …gets children involved in meal preparation. They are more likely to want to taste what they help prepare.

• …usually means that a meal has been well-planned, is nutritionally balanced, and is home-cooked.

• …helps introduce new varieties of food children are more likely to taste.

• …provides an opportunity for social bonding and communication. Studies show that family meals are linked to higher grades and lower rates of drug use, depression, stress, suicide, and eating disorders in children and adolescents.
   

This story is illustrated in a colorful watercolor and batik style. It engages young children with relatable characters and lyrical prose while showcasing healthy food imagery in the borders.