Mr. Mistake, Mind Your Manners In A Restaurant

Max Mistake (Mr. Mistake) is visiting his cousin, Missy Mistake. They will be going to a fancy restaurant and Max is aware he does not know the “rules of the table” - which is like knowing the rules to any game – and he certainly doesn’t want to look like a farm animal while eating! Mannie shows Max the correct way to eat and act while dining with others. Knowing these rules helps Max “win the game” when it comes to table manners!

“My 10-year-old grandson and I enjoyed this book together. He thought it would help him feel more confident when going out to eat and meeting people. Questions and engaging illustrations coupled with pleasant humor make this a fun and informative book!”

—Helen VanSise, Director, Kids Day Out Preschool, Mount Pocono, PA

In Aant!

Restaur

Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany

Lisa Butowsky is a Certified Etiquette Instructor and Founder of Your Charming Child ~ Etiquette Instruction with a degree in Infancy and Early Childhood Development from Penn State. She teaches children and teens how to feel confident and more at ease in social situations.

Mr. Mistake, Mind Your Manners: In A Restaurant!

“Mr. Mistake can help children navigate what good manners look like when going out to eat. This book can help us all remember to be kind towards each other, as well as expectations such as holding the door for someone or thinking of others around us. This story can open up important conversations about learning how to ‘be’ with others.”

—Barbara Simmons, Executive Director Emeritus, The Peace Center, Langhorne, PA

Donna Bostany is a Certified Etiquette Instructor and has been a Kindergarten Aide and Preschool Music Teacher. She has a B.A. in Theater Arts from Penn State and a Cosmetology License.

Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany illustrated by Donna Bostany

In A ant! r u a t s Re

Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany illustrated by Donna Bostany

Mr. Mistake, Mind Your Manners (In A Restaurant!)

by Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany illustrated by Donna Bostany copyright ©2021 Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books.

The Headline Kids Educational Series is a continuing series of 6 x 9 paperback books for the classroom, home school environment, parents and caregivers. The authors of these books are teachers, parents, and exceptional individuals who love children. The subject matter will be different in every book but all give inspiration to imagination and creativity. There is a learning element in every book and/or easy activity to do at home. Headline Kids celebrates children and these books will increase early learning and reading skills.

To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781951556778

Library of Congress Control Number:

PR I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D STAT E S OF A M E R IC A

This book is dedicated to all the hard-working parents and teachers (including our sister and brother-in-law, both teachers—Christine and Gary Nafash) who help shape children into confident, happy, and productive members of society and good citizens of the world. We applaud you.

Hello, friend! My name is Max Mistake. You may have already met my cousin, Missy Mistake (whose nickname is “Miss Mistake”), and Mannie, the butterfly.

We share the same last name because we are cousins. Missy started to call me “Mr. Mistake” when we were little and it’s a nickname that I like! It makes me feel older. I’m ten years old, just like Missy, and I treat her like she’s my sister. I like to tease Missy and I drive her crazy sometimes!

Missy told me how helpful Mannie was when our grandparents were visiting—teaching her how to welcome guests, show respect to family and have gratitude for home. Mannie teaches to treat others the way you would like to be treated.

I’ll be visiting with Missy’s family while my parents are away. I could use your help, especially when it comes to eating. I’m pretty sure I’m a messy eater. I’d need 100 napkins if I remember to use them at all, and I don’t know how to act at a nice restaurant. Will you help me learn to be my best self while eating with others so I don’t look or sound like an animal? I hope you will. Mannie will also help.

I’m staying with my grandparents for a while. Tonight, we’re meeting Missy and her parents (my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Nick) at a restaurant. It’s a fancy-schmancy place that has a hard-to-say name. We have to dress up, which I don’t like, but my parents and grandparents said that we must put our best foot forward and look nice for special occasions.

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My grandmother said, “When going to a big event or a nice party, we must dress the right way. Would you wear jeans with holes to a party that calls for wearing pants with a shirt and tie?” Even I know that answer – “no.” I thought how weird it would be to see someone wearing pajamas at a wedding or a bathing suit in a restaurant!

She’s right. So, I put on a pair of khaki pants with a tiny ketchup stain (I will try to scrub it out), a button-down shirt and even a tie, but I didn’t make it too tight.

5

We met Missy, my aunt and uncle outside the restaurant. I have not seen my cousin in a year. I almost didn’t recognize her… she grew tall and her hair was longer. I was shy but Missy made me feel comfortable by giving me a big hug and looking me in the eyes saying, “It’s great to see you, Mr. Mistake!” We laughed at the nickname she had given me and I told her it was great to see her, too. She greeted our grandparents with confidence. Confidence means feeling good about yourself and your abilities.

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“Wow!” I exclaimed, “You seem so outgoing and not shy at all.

How did you learn to talk and act like that?”

She said, “Mannie taught me how to be confident when meeting people. It got easier as I practiced at home and at school.

He’ll help you today also. He just can’t stop himself!”

I looked down, mumbling, “Hello,” to my aunt, uncle, and Mannie, who had been hiding in Missy’s purse. I was going to give him a high-five, but he reached out his tiny wing to shake my hand. Mannie didn’t look strong but he gave a firm handshake and smiled. I’ve never shaken a butterfly’s wing before, but I did it gently. He said, “Hello, I’m Manner Lee but you can call me Mannie; all my friends do.”

I said, “Hello, Mannie, I’m Max Mistake. You can call me Mr. Mistake, like Missy does, if you want.” I felt kind of awkward.

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Missy told me that feeling comfortable about meeting new people takes practice. She shared six things to do when meeting a new person: 1. Stand up, if sitting 2. Smile 3. Give eye contact (look in people’s eyes) 4. Say, “Hello, I’m _____” (fill in the blank with your name). You can add, “It’s nice to meet you.”

5. Speak loud enough and clearly 6. Shake the person’s right hand with your right hand unless the right one is injured (in that case, use your left hand). Don’t forget to pay attention to others’ names if they tell you. If they don’t, ask them what it is.

I learned something already and we’ve only been here for fifteen minutes!

I was excited to eat, so I ran into the restaurant and let the door close behind me. I didn’t pay attention to anyone else.

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Mannie came shooting out of Missy’s purse and pushed the door open. He is super-strong like a Superhero Butterfly! He looked at me with surprise.

Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know… what mistake did I make?

Grandma entered through the door and thanked Mannie.

She looked at me with disappointment and then at Mannie with confusion because, after all, he was a talking butterfly who opened a heavy door!

Mannie told me nicely, “You ought to hold the door open for anyone coming in behind you.

It’s no fun to have a door slam in your face. Also, it’s nice to open the door for anyone in front of you if you can get there first.” I agreed. I will do my best to open doors for others.

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Inside, the restaurant was fancy… sparkling hanging lights, bright white tablecloths and shiny forks, spoons and knives on the tables. People were dressed up so I’m glad I did too. This is not a fast food place, for sure.

I noticed Missy pulling out a chair for her mother to sit on, so I followed and pulled out a chair for my grandma. I felt mature and helpful.

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This is better than pulling out a chair from under someone which is what happened when I played a joke on the new kid, Tyler, at school. I cracked up until he fell, hurt his elbow and needed to go to the nurse.

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It was not broken but I still felt really bad that I did that. It’s not funny, I realize now, and I got in big trouble for that. I told him I was sorry and now we’re good friends.

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We were given menus, which everyone looked at for a while.

My stomach was growling and I was getting annoyed the waiter wasn’t coming right away to take our order. I shouted, “Where’s the waiter? I’m starving!” Mannie, Missy and everyone shot me a look of disapproval.

Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know… what mistake did I make?

Mannie said, “Please have patience. That means being able to wait, without complaining, even though you want something right away.

Everyone at the table needs to know what he or she is getting so the server isn’t waiting while they decide. That would not be respectful of his time. Plus, raising your voice in public is impolite.”

Finally, the waiter came and said, “Good evening, I’m Joe. May I please take your order?” I was the first to point to my menu. I looked down and mumbled, “I want the macaroni and cheese and get me an iced tea.”

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This time, Mannie jumped from Missy’s purse to my shoulder with a shocked look on his face.

Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know…what mistake did I make?

Mannie whispered, “You ought to let the adults order first. Ideally, it will start with your grandma, out of respect. Also, watch how Missy does it.” I watched and was impressed by how she ordered.

She looked up from her menu and directly at the waiter. She said clearly and loud enough, “May I please have the chicken tenders with French fries and an iced tea?” She smiled and said, “Thank you.”

Mannie said, “That’s the way to do it!” I ordered again the correct way and Joe gave me a big smile.

Missy seemed very mature. I learned a lot more about her while waiting for our food. We talked about soccer, apps and games. Missy asked everyone questions, which made it easy to talk to her. Plus, it’s cool she doesn’t mind bugs since she is friends with a fuzzy butterfly!

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Finally, our food was in sight—awesome! Joe was carrying a large tray with some meals on it. I hoped one was mine. Just as Joe came to our table, a little boy ran in front of him, causing him to trip and fall. The entire tray came crashing down and I saw Missy’s meal and Grandma’s spaghetti go flying onto my uncle! I started to laugh loudly, pointing at the waiter as he was falling.

Everyone turned to me and looked upset.

Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know… what mistake did I make?

Mannie fluttered to my ear and said, “It’s rude to point and laugh at someone who has had an accident. It makes him or her feel embarrassed.

Embarrassed means to feel awkward about something you said or did.”

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I knew he was right. But then, I went from laughter to anger. I was mad at that kid for running when he should’ve been sitting and at Joe for not being more careful. Now I have to wait even longer to eat! I started to complain but then remembered Mannie’s advice to have patience. So, I took a deep breath and kept quiet.

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Mannie helped Joe up and Grandpa asked him if he was okay. He was. Joe apologized and someone came to clean up.

Uncle Nick headed to the restroom to clean off the spaghetti and suggested I join him to wash our hands before eating, a good habit before every meal. My hands were filthy!

My uncle was not mad about the accident at all. He joked about how silly he looked with sauce on his face. I wonder how I’d feel if I had strings of spaghetti hanging from my nose!

Luckily, my meal wasn’t one that fell. Only Grandma and Missy’s meals had to be made again. When I got mine, I started to eat quickly.

Mannie flew onto my dish. I think if anyone saw that, they would think he was a huge fly and swat him!

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He said, “The right thing to do is to wait until everyone is served a meal unless the one who is waiting tells everyone to begin. Another thing - please slow down your eating! This isn’t a race. One bite at a time, mister.”

21

Grandma said that it was okay for us to start eating and that we didn’t need to wait for her food. Warm rolls arrived and I grabbed one, spread lots of butter on it and shoved half of it into my mouth.

Chewing was tough; I had to really chomp down. My mouth was full when I asked Missy a question about school. Some of what I was chewing flew out of my mouth and landed on the table. Mannie, Missy, and my aunt seemed to be grossed out by this.

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Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know...what mistake did I make?

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Mannie whispered nicely, “Your chewing is much too loud because your mouth is open as you chew. It’s proper to chew quietly with your lips closed. Would you like to hear slurping, munching, and gulping from anybody? I doubt it.” I would not want to hear someone making those noises. I didn’t even know I was doing that.

Mannie added, “Small bites help you to chew quietly. Also, don’t talk until you finish chewing and swallowing your food. If you are asked a question while you are chewing, hold up your index finger. That means, ‘one moment, please.’”

This all made sense. I don’t want to sound like a pig when I eat, so I paid attention to my chewing and the bites I was taking.

24

The others got their meals and we were having fun talking. Missy told us about Mannie and his new girlfriend, Leela, a ladybug he met while playing in the yard. Mannie’s face turned red. I never saw a butterfly blush! I didn’t know butterflies could feel embarrassed, although Mannie was extra-special. I wanted to meet Leela, but she was having a picnic with her family.

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While we were talking and laughing, a cell phone rang at a nearby table. A guy answered it with a loud, “Heyyyy!” and almost everyone in the restaurant turned to look at him. He talked loudly about the restaurant, his meal, where he was going next, and other stuff. We heard it all. The people at his table looked annoyed. I bet Mannie wanted to fly over there and give him a helpful lesson, but he held back.

Uh-oh! Do you know… what mistake did that man make?

Mannie said to Missy and me, “Unless it’s an emergency or your parents calling, it’s not polite to be distracted by your cell phone while you’re with others. If you must answer the call, please excuse yourself and go somewhere private.”

That’s great advice. No one wants to hear someone’s conversation when they are trying to have a good time. Plus, it makes those who are with that person feel unimportant.

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The food was good but needed salt. I reached across Missy’s plate and grabbed it.

She said, “Why did you do that?” She seemed bothered by it.

Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know… what mistake did I make?

This time, Missy said, “If you need something that’s not near you, ask someone to pass it to you. Mannie taught me to never reach across the table, especially over somebody’s meal. In fact, look at your shirt now!”

I looked at my elbow and, sure enough, there was ketchup on it.

My sleeve had touched her food and my tie had landed in my food.

Geez! Next time I will ask, “Missy, will you please pass the salt?”

Mannie shared some cool information that I didn’t know. He said, “When you are asked to pass the salt or the pepper, you ought to pass both together.” I didn’t know why. Do you?

He said they’re a team and should stick together. This way, the next person who wants the salt or pepper doesn’t have to ask two people to pass them separately.

Everyone finished their meals and I finished at the same time as they did. It would’ve been boring if I finished first and had to sit there watching them eat. I’m glad I took Mannie’s advice and stopped stuffing food into my mouth so quickly.

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After the meal, I let out a loud, “B-U-U-U-R-P!” I was proud of that one and laughed hard. Others weren’t laughing and some of the people in the restaurant stared at me. Mannie looked at me with very large eyes. I didn’t know butterflies could open their eyes that wide!

Uh-oh, a Mr. Mistake Mishap! Do you know… what mistake did I make?

28

“Ah, yes,” said Mannie. “Sounds that our bodies make can be funny, especially when we were little. Now that you are older, be aware of whom you’re with and where you are. Burping loudly for attention is immature. Try your best to hold it in or keep the volume low, if possible. If it just jumps out of your throat suddenly, then simply say, ‘Excuse me,’ and don’t make a big deal about it.”

At first, I was going to argue with him, but I thought about it. Yes, as a little boy, I did it and laughed a lot, but now I am ten years old. I don’t hear others doing it. I will be aware of this next time.

29

Finally, it was time for dessert, my favorite course! I learned that word from Missy who explained it’s what the different parts of a meal are called. For example, an appetizer, soup, salad, entrée (main meal) and dessert are all different courses. In some countries, like in France, they serve a cheese course after your main meal and before or after dessert. I was so full, I could not have eaten cheese but there always seems to be room for ice cream!

I remembered how to order properly, as I learned from Missy.

While looking at the waiter’s eyes, I said, “May I please have chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles on top?” Can you tell that I LOVE chocolate?

As desserts arrived, I said, “Thank you,” to Joe while looking at him, as I had done throughout our meal when he refilled my water.

He smiled and seemed fine after the tripping incident.

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It’s time to gobble up the ice cream! Wait, I thought. I better take my time eating while the others eat their desserts of apple pie, vanilla pudding and strawberry shortcake. I don’t want to finish too soon.

Mannie complimented me on eating at a good pace and then signaled something to me: He used his wing in a wiping gesture across his lips as he pointed at my napkin, which I learned should be on my lap during the meal.

Do you know what Mannie was trying to tell me?

I was confused but then finally got it! I hadn’t used my napkin at all during the whole meal. I picked it up and, watching what my aunt, uncle, grandparents and Missy did, gently dabbed my mouth with the napkin. Yikes! There was practically an entire meal on my face – cheese, butter, chocolate sauce and ice cream! It’s better that I use my napkin and not my sleeve like I used to do.

31

During dessert, Missy and Mannie taught us a special song to the tune of “Happy Birthday To You.” It’s all about where the utensils (the forks, knives and spoons) go when setting a table. This is called a place setting.

It includes some other tips, such as where to put your napkin and your drink and how you should wait to eat until your host sits down and starts to eat. At a party, the host is the person who invited you.

The song goes like this: Happy Dining Etiquette To You Big and small forks on the left, Knives and spoons go on the right, Bread and butter plates on the left, And drinks on the right.

Dessert forks on the top, dessert spoons on the top, Put your napkin on your lap.

And don’t take a nap!

Feet on the floor, sit up straight.

For the host, you should wait.

Chew quietly with your mouth closed And don’t lick your plate!

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Mannie shared a tip on how to remember where the utensils should go in a place setting: The word “left” has four letters and so does the word “fork.” That helps us remember the smaller salad fork and the larger entrée fork go on the left.

However, there are two forks that break this rule -- the dessert fork (on top, as the songs says) and the cocktail fork, which goes on the right. A cocktail fork is a tiny fork used for a seafood appetizer.

The word “right” has five letters and so do the words “knife,” “spoon,” and “drink.” That helps us remember knives, spoons and drinks go on the right (except the dessert spoon which goes on top, like the song says).

After dessert, while we waited for the check, Mannie drew a picture of a proper place setting.

Can you label all the items in this place setting? You can trace it or draw your own!

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The others also shared some rules of dining etiquette. Etiquette means having good manners, which help you look smart and classy. Mannie, the very talented poet that he is, made the answers rhyme. Let’s see if you know the answers!

1. What is the best way to sit at the table?

Always sit up straight with feet towards the ground, Not squirming in your seat or moving around; Not fidgeting with your hair or biting your nails.

And please don’t tease your sister, pulling her pigtails!

2. Can I act any way I want in a restaurant?

Respect those around you, Act mature, not like you haven’t a clue.

Talking or laughing loudly because of your good mood, Could disturb those nearby trying to hear their friends and enjoy their food.

Put away your cell phone and get involved in conversation.

If you’re texting at dinner, it will cause others irritation!

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3. Why does it matter how I chew my food?

Chomp, chomp, gulp, gulp, slurp, slurp.

No one likes to hear you eat, drink or burp!

These sounds can gross people out, But courtesy and maturity are what it’s all about.

No talking while there is food on your tongue.

This goes for those who are old or young.

4. Is it okay to eat some foods with your hands, like French fries?

It’s fine to eat foods that are stiff or dry, Like well-cooked asparagus or a non-soggy French fry.

But if it’s greasy or has lots of ketchup, sauce, or au jus, * It’s best to use utensils for that fried chicken or fondue. ** If it’s hot pizza or hot tomato pie, “Better to let it cool,” says our famous butterfly. * Au jus is gravy or juice (pronounced oh-joo or oh-joos) ** Fondue is a cheesy sauce or dip (pronounced fon-doo)

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My Aunt Joyce said, “These are important things to remember since one day, you might eat a meal with your teacher, your boss, or even somebody you want to marry.”

Marry? I’m not thinking about marrying anyone now! But I wouldn’t want to look like a slob in front of anybody either. I will practice my new dining skills at home and everywhere, so it becomes a good habit.

36

When dessert was over, we all thanked Joe, our waiter. We also thanked Grandpa for paying the check. He gave Joe a big tip for his good service. Grandpa said we should always tip our hard-working servers well since this is how they earn a living.

On the way out, I held the door open for everyone and then someone held it open for me. I felt happy to show kindness in such a simple way.

We said good-bye, promising to see each other soon. I learned a lot, so I thanked everybody, especially Mannie and Missy, for the helpful advice.

“I’d really like to go to a nice restaurant again,” I said, “but let’s invite Mannie’s girlfriend, Leela, next time.” Mannie’s face turned as red as a ladybug!

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Proper Etiquette to Prevent Spreading a Virus (or a Cold) A pandemic is a disease that spreads around the world fast.

It does not happen much, only a few times in the past.

One is Coronavirus; if you get it, you must stay home.

There are things you can do to prevent it, as listed in this poem.

There are rules we must follow to keep everyone well: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use sanitizing gel.

It is wise to wear a face covering, also called a mask, to cover your nose and mouth in public while you do any task.

Cough and sneeze into your elbow’s bend or a tissue.

That way, spraying germs will not be an issue.

Wash your hands after that so you feel nice and clean and just as polite as a king or a queen!

After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.

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If you do not have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow to cover your cough or sneeze.

Clean and disinfect the things that you share, like toys and books, to show others you care.

Common areas, like tables, knobs, handles and such, should be cleaned and disinfected for the next person to touch.

In school, in public or when you meet and greet, keep your distance of at least 6 feet.

“Social distance” means you can be together but sit or stand apart.

Germs spread faster close in a group, so please be smart.

Mr. Mistake meets Mannie and they shake hands (or hand & wing).

But during a pandemic, shaking hands is the wrong thing.

When someone can get sick, it is best to give a little wave.

So, hugging or touching hands is not the correct way to behave.

A smile is always in style; it’s the best thing to do.

Even when your mouth is covered, your eyes smile, too!

Practice social and dining skills while in public or at home.

Stay healthy doing everything described in this poem!

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I hope you will join Mannie, Miss Mistake and me on our next adventure and meet Leela, the ladybug. We might make more mistakes (since we all make mistakes) but you and our smart butterfly friend can help us with our manners.

Manners in a Restaurant

Find the following words in the puzzle above.

Words are hidden across, down and diagonally.

Butterfly Entrée Host Patience Restaurant Confidence Etiquette 40

Knives Place Setting Spoons Courses Fondue Manners

Please Thank You Embarrassed Forks Mistake Respect Utensils

Max Mistake (Mr. Mistake) is visiting his cousin, Missy Mistake. They will be going to a fancy restaurant and Max is aware he does not know the “rules of the table” - which is like knowing the rules to any game – and he certainly doesn’t want to look like a farm animal while eating! Mannie shows Max the correct way to eat and act while dining with others. Knowing these rules helps Max “win the game” when it comes to table manners!

“My 10-year-old grandson and I enjoyed this book together. He thought it would help him feel more confident when going out to eat and meeting people. Questions and engaging illustrations coupled with pleasant humor make this a fun and informative book!”

—Helen VanSise, Director, Kids Day Out Preschool, Mount Pocono, PA

In Aant!

Restaur

Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany

Lisa Butowsky is a Certified Etiquette Instructor and Founder of Your Charming Child ~ Etiquette Instruction with a degree in Infancy and Early Childhood Development from Penn State. She teaches children and teens how to feel confident and more at ease in social situations.

Mr. Mistake, Mind Your Manners: In A Restaurant!

“Mr. Mistake can help children navigate what good manners look like when going out to eat. This book can help us all remember to be kind towards each other, as well as expectations such as holding the door for someone or thinking of others around us. This story can open up important conversations about learning how to ‘be’ with others.”

—Barbara Simmons, Executive Director Emeritus, The Peace Center, Langhorne, PA

Donna Bostany is a Certified Etiquette Instructor and has been a Kindergarten Aide and Preschool Music Teacher. She has a B.A. in Theater Arts from Penn State and a Cosmetology License.

Lisa Butowsky & Donna Bostany illustrated by Donna Bostany