Dear Miss Perfect: A Beast's Guide to Proper Behavior

by Sandra Dutton

However beastly the problem, Miss Perfect, a correspondent for the Beastly Gazette, has the answer:

Say “I’m sorry” if you accidentally crush someone.
Clean your room when asked.
And never chew on your sister without first asking permission.

Readers will laugh at Miss Perfect’s often surprising but always on-target advice, and find a kinship with the animals, whose problems are not all that different from their own.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 2007

About the author

Sandra Dutton is a writer, artist, and playwright who was born in Springfield, Missouri, grew up in Norwood, Ohio, and has lived in California, Kentucky, New York, Maine, and Savannah, Georgia. She has published poetry and essays as well as seven books for children, including her latest, "A Wheelchair That Flies," "Dear Miss Perfect: A Beast's Guide to Proper Behavior" and "Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth," which was recommended by the National Center for Science Education. She also wrote the book and lyrics and designed the scenery for "Just a Matter of Time," a musical that debuted in Times Square. She directed a production at Catskill's Bridge Street Theatre to sold-out audiences. Sandra has a Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition and a B.A. in fine arts. Her paintings were the subject of a feature story by Beth Logan in "Connect Savannah," and she has had one-woman shows at the Taylor Galley and Gallery Espresso in Savannah. She is married to the writer, Wayne Sheridan, and they are happy to make their home in Savannah. For more information: www.SandraDutton.com and www.SandraDuttonFineArt.com

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre illustrations, but the text is great! It's a great way for kids to get a nice introduction to manners. Nicely done!

[Kiah Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

......watercolor and pen, they add some fun visuals and color to the story; however I would classify this as more of a book with pictures than a picture book. I really enjoyed this book, I found the style to be unique and engaging. I also thought the Letter/Answer format allowed many important ideas to be addressed.

[Itasca Community Library]

An etiquette expert answers animal readers’ questions about common concerns such as getting along with parents, giving an oral report, and the importance of writing thank-you notes, as well as more unusual ones, including how to avoid being eaten by one’s parents.

[Wayne Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good advice delivered with humor children and adults appreciate.

[Khadija Bensaadoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overall great book to use when teaching young children behavior and expectations. This book can be read on the first day of class.