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CM . . .
. Volume VIII Number 18 . . . . May 10, 2002
excerpt: When you meet other
people, try to see what makes them special. Show respect for what makes
them different from you and don't forget, they have "inside" things
that make them extra special, maybe you just can't see them. If other
people see that you respect them, maybe they will show respect for you.
And, if they see how proud you are to be you, maybe they will feel proud
of themselves too. Don't forget, it's what's inside that counts the
most!
Lewena Bayer
and Karen Mallett are "The Etiquette Ladies." These two Winnipeg women
conduct etiquette seminars and consultations for adults and hold "Courtesy
Camps for Kids." The "Courtesy for Kids" book series developed from their
work with children in the courtesy camps.
The central theme of the whole series
is the importance of respect in our relationships with others. The first
book, aptly named Put Your Best Foot Forward, covers topics such
as introductions, handshakes, etiquette in conversation, and manners
at home and at school. One feature of this book, which differentiates
it from other books on manners, is the section on dealing with people
who are different from you. This section deals with concept of diversity
by explaining how it is important to have differences in the world.
The section on empathy is called "Put yourself in their shoes" and is
quite brief but does explain the idea of empathy through a concrete
example.
The second book, Beware the Table
Monsters, covers basic dining and eating etiquette. The authors'
tips stress the basic rules for dining being polite and neat and not
playing with your food. There are also sections on how to eat difficult
foods and how to use eating utensils. This volume also has a section
on eating at school and other public places.
The third book, titled Courtesy Becomes
Me, emphasizes the development of manners through the building of
self-confidence and self-respect. This book explains the importance
of presenting oneself to the world through grooming, dressing, and deportment.
It also includes Internet and telephone manners two topics not often
covered in courtesy books.
All three titles have valuable text information
and are written in a conversational and informal style. The design of
the series has a "retro" look, as the collaged photographs of many of
the children appear to be from the 1950's. These photos work against
the main message of the book - that manners are very important today.
For collections needing books on courtesy.
Recommended. Lorraine
Douglas is head of youth services at the Winnipeg Public Library.
To comment on this
title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal
use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other
reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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